3-053-528 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia, 1873. '...the marriage of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, and the Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovna will take place in March next, at St. Petersburg...As the nephew of the reigning Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Prince Alfred...will be one of the Princes of the German Empire. The news of Prince Alfred's betrothal to the most august daughter of his Majesty the Emperor has been received in England with the utmost joy and satisfaction. The organs of all political parties alike admit that a marriage with the only daughter of the Russian Emperor is the most brilliant match any European Prince could have aspired to. Although not attaching much political importance to this alliance in an age in which national interests are more powerful than dynastic connections, the English papers are in hopes that the event will strengthen the good relations existing between the two largest and most powerful empires of Europe. In point of fact, they look upon the marriage as another pledge of the preservation of peace in Europe. There is no doubt that in all Russia the joyful event excites the same sympathetic feelings and good wishes as in England.' The only Romanov to marry into the British royal family. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.