Prince Friedrich Wilhelm (Frittie) and Princess Marie (May) of Hesse-Darmstadt

I understand. But Little May looked pissed rather than sad (like Alix or Ella). She had a hard expression in many photos...

I agree with Ally, she was probably just sick of being still.  I remember myself in photos when I was small, I always looked annoyed, but it was because I didn't like sitting for photographs, and hated smiling, so I didn't.  I sympathize with May.

Frittie

Yes. Although you see Alix at that period was more relaxed with the camera than May. If you read Queen Victoria's letters, she was quite enthusiastic about Alix's looks (as a baby) and not too much on May. Had she lived, she would be living under her sister's shadow. 

Had she lived, she would be living under her sister's shadow. 

Pure speculation. You never know how all that could have been. I think there is enough discussion "what if...if May had lived", there is nothing to say more. You can speculate endlessly - it's an inane talk which gives nothing new or interesting to the topic.

'I think there is enough discussion "what if...if May had lived", there is nothing to say more.'

I agree. There really is very little that can be said about someone who died at the age of four.

Ann

That is just speculation. But the fun of history is that there are so many "what ifs"...I think judging from the photos. Mine is quite an intelligent guess. Never saw a photo of May smiling. Whereas Alix was truly "sunny" in some pictures.

On Olga's birthday I forgot that it is also the anniversary of little Princess May's death on November 16th. So short a life that brought so much joy to her family. Rest in Peace!

Indeed. I read that Alicky missed May the most, since they were the closest in age.