I have begun reading a book that I had received from my great aunt who lived in New York and it is a signed copy by the author on 5/6/1931.
Education of a Princess: A Memoir
Translated from French and Russia under the editorial supervision of Russell Land
New York, The Viking Press, MCMXXXI, copyright 1930
by The Grand Duchess Marie
Printed in U.S.A.
INTRODUCTION
She was born in 1890. “My public entrance into the world was made, I am told, in a golden coach drawn by three pairs of white horses. The coach was surrounded with mounted hussars in scarlet uniforms. In this way, I was called Marie after my grandmother, wife of the Emperor Alexander II, and after my aunt and godmother, the consort of Alexander III, at the close of whose reign I came into the world.” (page 3)
She grew up in magnificent circumstances, yet did not enjoy a real family life. Thus, Marie was not able to really understand “the meaning and true value of a home.” (page 3). Her education was in line with what prevailed in most European courts through the latter part of the 1800s. Religious and moral instruction was far more important to learn and live, than education in other areas of study. The physical living circumstances were of grandeur and luxury style, yet her life interactions and rhythm were more of simplicity. Manners required of her were that of meekness and humility - Christian values, as well as restraint.
Her will was suppressed which felt like a lack of freedom of action. She felt, in retrospect, that perhaps that was to balance the “future independence which Russian royalty had in the past enjoyed and which had proven to involve many dangers.” (page 4). The disappointment though was that she did not feel as prepared as she would have liked for the future royal duty and responsibilities. “We in Russia were in the position to exert enormous influence,” and “serve her country.” (page 4)
Her teachers and professors were not consistent over the years due to moving from one location to another. The extensive libraries within the family palaces and homes had locked cases, except for bound statistics. Royal life was a life of much solitude. A patriarchal spirit was really evident throughout all of life.
As a girl, she had an instinct that the grandeur of life seemed to be “out of balance” with “life as a whole, and could not last!” There was a sense of “brooding forces” all around. (page 5). “Within a year of the Russo-Japanese War, she recalled sitting on the nursery floor and realizing she needed to learn how to button her own boots and much more, in case of a revolution. (page 5)
Though she had attempted to be prepared, the reality at a later date left her realizing how much more she wished she had known. She had to rebuild her life completely a fresh, without previous foundations she had known. Marie felt the strong need to create that which (another or government) could not be taken away from her.
Marie began to work after her resources ran out with many disappointments along the way. While despite these hardships, she had embarked on entrenching herself with curiosity. Thus, her individuality started to really develop and come to the forefront in America. Despite living in America, she loved her country Russia which had come from her family.
“In their great deeds and even in their failures, the Romanovs of all generations placed the interests and glory of Russia above any personal circumstances. Russia was part of their soul and their body. To them the demanded sacrifice was never too great, and this they proved with their lives. I pray that their spirit may animate me to the end of my days.”
New York City, 1930
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