The funeral of Princess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, was a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of the Russian Revolution on the Romanov family. Held on July 18, 1918, at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, the ceremony was a somber affair, attended by only a handful of mourners.
Despite the tumultuous circumstances surrounding her death, Princess Anastasia’s funeral was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Romanov dynasty. The ceremony was conducted by Father Alexander Vasiliev, who had previously performed the funeral rites for the Tsar and his family. The attendance was sparse, reflecting the isolation and fear that gripped the city during the early days of the Bolshevik regime. The funeral marked the end of an era, as the Romanovs, once the epitome of Russian power and prestige, were reduced to mere footnotes in the annals of history.
what was the significance of the Red Princess’s funeral
what was the Red Princess’s role in Russian history
what were the key events that shaped the Red Princess’s life
- Russian Revolution and Exile: The Russian Revolution led to her family’s exile to England, where she grew up in a new environment, away from her homeland.
- World War II and Internment: During World War II, she was interned by the Nazis at Vittel, in Vichy, France, where she discovered Communism and became involved in the French Resistance.
- Communist Party and Tour Guiding: After the war, she joined the Communist Party and became a tour guide for British workers in the Soviet Union, which led her to meet her last love, Jack.
- Personal Life and Relationships: Her life was marked by numerous romantic relationships, including marriages to Leo Zinovieff and Grey Skipwith, as well as a close friendship with Laurence Olivier.
- War and Loss: She experienced significant loss during the war, including the death of her second husband, Grey Skipwith, and the loss of her first husband, Leo Zinovieff, who was imprisoned in Russia.
These events, along with her involvement in the Communist Party and her experiences during World War II, significantly shaped the Red Princess’s life and worldview, making her a complex and fascinating figure.
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The coffin of the princess inside Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata.
Photo (c) RoyalBlog NL / Hans Jacobs.
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On Friday, 27 August 2021, the funeral mass of Princess Marie-Thérèse (Maria Teresa) of Bourbon-Parma took place at 4:30pm in the Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata in the city of Parma. Stemming from precautions around the novel coronavirus pandemic, the service was not publicly announced beforehand. The funeral card for the princess contained the Poem of St. Teresa of Avila, provided below in its English translation:
Let nothing frighten you, all things pass away.
God never changes, patience obtains all things.
He who has God finds he lacks nothing; God alone suffices.
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| The Duke and Duchess of Parma and other members of the Ducal Family. Photo (c) RoyalBlog NL / Hans Jacobs. |
The funeral mass of Princess Marie-Thérèse was attended by four of her nieces and nephews (some of whom were accompanied by their spouses and children): Prince Carlos Javier and Princess Annemarie, Duke and Duchess of Parma and Piacenza; Prince Jaime, Count of Bardi; Princess Margarita, Countess of Colorno; and Princess Maria Carolina, Marchioness of Sala. After the mass, the princess was interred in the crypt under the basilica next to her beloved brother, the late Prince Carlos Hugo, Duke of Parma (1930-2010), former husband of Princess Irene of the Netherlands.
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| A view of the funeral mass. Photo (c) RoyalBlog NL / Hans Jacobs. |
Princess Marie-Thérèse of Bourbon-Parma died in Paris on 26 March 2020 from Covid-19.
You can read Eurohistory’s obituary of the princess here: In Memory of a Red Princess: The Passing of Marie-Thérèse of Bourbon-Parma (1933-2020)
For more information about the funeral of the princess, you can read RoyalBlog NL’s article here:
what were the key events in the Red Princess’s life
As we conclude our exploration of the funeral of the Red Princess, Princess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova, we are reminded of the profound impact that historical events can have on individual lives. The Red Princess was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Romanov dynasty, and her funeral marked the end of an era as the Romanovs, once the epitome of Russian power and prestige, were reduced to mere footnotes in the annals of history.
The Red Princess‘s life was a complex tapestry of contrasts, marked by both tragedy and triumph. From her early years as a member of the Russian aristocracy to her later years as a militant member of the Communist Party, she was a true revolutionary, always pushing against the boundaries of convention. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of historical events and the indomitable spirit of those who lived through them. As we reflect on the Red Princess‘s life and legacy, we are left with a profound appreciation for the enduring impact that individuals can have on the world around them.
what were the main themes explored in the article about the Red Princess’s funeral
- Legacy of the Romanov Dynasty: The funeral of Princess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova, known as the Red Princess, marked the end of an era for the Romanov dynasty, once the epitome of Russian power and prestige.
- Historical Context: The article highlights the tumultuous circumstances surrounding her death and the funeral, reflecting the devastating impact of the Russian Revolution on the Romanov family.
- Personal Life and Relationships: The story of the Red Princess is intertwined with her personal life, including her relationships and the significant events that shaped her experiences and worldview.
- Communist Affiliations: Her involvement in the Communist Party and her experiences during World War II are significant aspects of her life, influencing her actions and decisions.
- Enduring Legacy: The article emphasizes the enduring legacy of the Red Princess, as her life and story continue to captivate readers and inspire reflection on the transformative power of historical events.
