Nikolai Nikolaievich Romanov Jr. (1856 - 1929)

Born 18 Nov 1856 in St. Petersburg, Russia

Ancestors

Husband of Anastasiya Nikolaievna (Petrovic-Njegos) von Leuchtenberg — married 29 Apr 1907 (to 1929) in Yalta, Crimea, Russia

Died 5 Jan 1929 at age 72 in Antibes, France

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Biography

Nikolai Nikolaievich Romanov, Grand Duke of Russia [Russian: Николай Николаевич Романов младший - the younger) was born on 18 November 1856 [6 Nov 1856 O.S.] at St. Petersburg, Russia.

He was the son of Nikolai Nikolaievich Romanov, Grand Duke of Russia and Alexandra Friederike Wilhelmine von Holstein-Gottorp, Duchess of Oldenburg.

EDUCATION

Grand Duke Nicholas was educated at the school of military engineers and received his commission in 1872.

MILITARY CAREER

During the Russo-Turkish War, 1877-78, he was on the staff of his father who was commander in chief. He distinguished himself on two occasions in this war. He worked his way up through all the ranks until he was appointed commander of the Guard Hussar Regiment in 1884.

He had a reputation as a tough commander, yet one respected by his troops. His experience was more as a trainer of soldiers than a leader in battle.

Nicholas was a very religious man, praying in the morning and at night as well as before and after meals. He was happiest in the country, hunting or caring for his estates.

By 1895, he was inspector-general of the cavalry, a post he held for 10 years. His tenure has been judged a success with reforms in training, cavalry schools, cavalry reserves and the remount services.

He was not given an active command during the Russo-Japanese War, perhaps because the Tsar did not wish to hazard the prestige of the Romanovs and because he wanted a loyal general in command at home in case of domestic disturbances. Thus, Nicholas did not have the opportunity to gain experience in battlefield command.

MARRIAGE

He married Anastasiya Nikolaievna Petrovic-Njegoš, Princess of Montenegro, daughter of Nikola I Petrovic-Njegoš, King of Montenegro and Milena Vukotic, on 29 April 1907 at Yalta, Crimea, Russia.

WORLD WAR I: COMMANDER IN CHIEF

A grandson of Nicholas I of Russia, he was commander in chief of the Russian armies on the main front in the first year of World War I, and was later a successful commander in the Caucasus.

DEATH

He died on 5 January 1929 at age 72 at Cap d'Antibes, France.

BURIAL

The grand duke is buried at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Cannes, France.

Sources

• C. Arnold McNaughton, The Book of Kings: A Royal Genealogy, in 3 volumes (London, U.K.: Garnstone Press, 1973), volume 1, page 318.

"Nikolai Nikolaievich Romanov, Grand Duke" Peerage.com:

http://www.thepeerage.com/p11118.htm#i111175

"Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich of Russia (1856–1929)" Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Duke_Nicholas_Nikolaevich_of_Russia_(1856–1929)