These Rarely Seen Photos of the Romanovs Show Life Inside the Russian Royal Family
The latest season of The Crown depicts the final days of the Russian Imperial family. These vintage photos show what they were like in real life.
In the annals of royal history, few families are as famous as the Romanovs. The final royal family to rule over Russia, the Romanovs presided over a time of great upheaval, until their tragic deaths in 1918. As an episode of The Crown looks back at their 1918 execution, and the family's connection to the British royals, take a look back at some rarely seen photos of the family before their tragic deaths.
1896
Living up to her reputation as the grandmother of Europe, Queen Victoria of England met with her granddaughter Tsarina Alexandra and Alexandra's husband, Tsar Nicholas II, after the couple welcomed their first child, Olga. Victoria's son, the future King Edward VII, joined them.
1897
Two years after the birth of their first daughter, Nicholas and Alexandra welcomed a second, Tatiana.
Rather than being princesses, the Romanov daughters were Grand Duchesses. Here, young Olga and Tatiana pose for a portrait.
Circa 1899
Nicholas II and Alexandra pose with their three daughters, Olga, Tatiana, and Maria.
Circa 1900
Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, and Maria enjoyed a day out in the Catherine Park in Tsarskoye Selo.
1907
The Romanov family on the royal yacht, the Polar Star.
Though he was the youngest of his siblings, as the only son, Alexei was the heir apparent to the Russian throne. Here, he poses with a miniature horse and buggy.
Circa 1908
The Romanov children Maria, Olga, Anastasia, Tatiana, and Alexei posed for a portrait.
Circa 1908
Of all of her siblings, Grand Duchess Anastasia would go on to become the most talked about in later years. Rumors that she might have survived the death of her family persisted for decades and several women came forward claiming to be Anastasia, though it was ultimately determined that the duchess died at the same time as the rest of her family.
Throughout his life, Alexei struggled with hemophilia, a life-threatening clotting disorder that became a major preoccupation for both of his parents, who feared not only for their son, but for the future of the Romanov line.
Circa 1910
The Romanov siblings in full royal regalia.
Tsar Nichola II with his family: his wife, Tsarina Alexandra, and their children, Maria, Olga, Tatiana, Anastasia, and Alexei.
1912
Alexei in military uniform.
Circa 1912
Nicholas II and Alexei looked seaworthy in their naval getups.
1913
Alexei took a spin on a large tricycle.
1913
In 1913, the Romanovs—led by Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra—celebrated the 300th anniversary of the House of Romanov.
1913
A duo of kings. Nicholas II of Russia and George V of England (grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II) were often remarked upon for how much they looked alike—no doubt due to the fact that their mothers were sisters.
The four Romanov daughters—Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia.
1916
Olga and one of her friends on the dunes in Crimea. The photo was believed to have been colored by one of the Romanov sisters.
1916
Alexei joined his family for a day by the shore in Crimea.
Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.
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