Messages

106

The Windsors / Re: Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

« on: September 14, 2012, 10:09:03 AM »

While I do feel bad for Kate, I'm surprised she allowed herself to be so vulerable.   I realize she was in a "private" garden at the time, but everyone knows that any place outdoors is not beyond the range of a camera lens these days.   It's a terrible invasion of her privacy, but the lessons should have been well learned by the royal family at this point.

107

The Alexander Palace / Re: China, Crystal, and Silver Used at Mealtime

« on: September 14, 2012, 08:27:58 AM »

FA, from your reply I'm assuming these trunks and their contents are still in the possession of family members.   Do you know if they have any inclination to return them to the AP at some point?

108

Having Fun! / Re: Let's build a palace

« on: September 11, 2012, 04:40:33 PM »

We already have a stable and horses, but we will also need a garage - 10  car capacity, is that large enough?   And heated, of course.  Maybe it can be built into the mountainside so not to detract from the beauty of the palace itself.

109

Having Fun! / Re: Let's build a palace

« on: September 11, 2012, 09:04:54 AM »

Now, this is a topic I could sink my teeth into.  Perhaps we once we "build" this palace we might auction it off and donate the proceeds to the AP restoration fund?   

I'd like to see it built in a mountainous region with lots of different levels - not boxy.   In this case I'd think an infinity pool would be a great amenity - enclosed with retractable roof and sides.   Beautiful gardens/fountains.    A small lake/pond with a "Childrens Island" complete with a little play cottage and footbridge.

Overall, I'd like to see simplicity (not unlike AP) - not too ornate but elegant.   I'd like it to be bright, cheerful from the outside (Livadia) rather than cold, gloomy, depressing stone like so many current royal residences.

110

Their World and Culture / Re: A Royal Hunt in photos

« on: September 06, 2012, 03:26:27 AM »

Love that train station in Bialowieza.   Reminds me of Cape May, NJ.   I must admit when I first opened your post I was a tinge disappointed they were not original color photos   You have us spoiled now BlessOTMA!   They were all wonderful -  except for the photo of the poor bison.  Thanks for posting.

111

Their World and Culture / Re: More colour photos from Imperial Russia

« on: September 04, 2012, 12:24:16 PM »

One of the pictures looked like a shot of the Palace of Livadia. Since that is in Yalta, it might be possible.

Alixz, I may be wrong but I think that palace in the background looks like it may be Dyulber - notice the Moorish style facade and the dome.   I don't believe Livadia has a dome, does it?

112

Their World and Culture / Re: More colour photos from Imperial Russia

« on: September 03, 2012, 08:54:25 PM »

Forgot to mention how beautiful and wholesome the children in these photos are!

113

Their World and Culture / Re: More colour photos from Imperial Russia

« on: September 03, 2012, 08:52:09 PM »

These are magnificent.   I agree with EmmyLee - if not for the period clothing, these could have been taken yesterday.   Did anyone notice the flags of different countries on the Christmas tree photo.  I noticed a couple of USA flags at the top of the tree.  Thanks for posting BlessOTMA!

114

French Royals / Re: The Grimaldi's of Monaco

« on: September 02, 2012, 06:06:59 PM »

 Eric,  you did pull all American women down into the gutter by your statement, then made it worse by insinuating that all American women mirror the low class behavior that is portrayed on so many TV shows these days which is just not true.   You shouldn't be surprised that you were called out for it.

115

The Alexander Palace / Re: Alexander Palace Restoration

« on: August 29, 2012, 06:28:34 PM »

Tsarfan and EmmyLee - thank you both for your replies.  I was not aware that it is common to leave unrestored areas in restorations.   Yes, you can barely make out the painted window frames in the unrestored portion.  I never would have picked up on that.

116

The Alexander Palace / Re: Alexander Palace Restoration

« on: August 29, 2012, 01:15:50 PM »

Forgive me if this has been discussed elsewhere, but a search brought up nothing.   i've noticed in a few photos of the restored Semi-Circular Hall that there appears to be a partial (is it a fresco??) in the arched niche above the cornice to the immediate right of the door.   It appears in the video that Inok posted above and also in the photo on the sample website page that Bob Atchison just posted about the Society of Friends of Tsarskoye Selo on another thread.  (I'm not very good at posting/copying photos on this site).    Can anyone provide me with some info about this?   Are there any close-up photos?   I'm intrigued.   

117

French Royals / Re: The Grimaldi's of Monaco

« on: August 29, 2012, 01:12:08 PM »

I agree Eric.  Must have been that wonderful Philly air she was raised in, right?

118

Marie Feodorovna / Re: Film footage of Marie Feodorovna?

« on: August 15, 2012, 06:27:24 PM »

I too assumed the little girl to the right must be Olga.  I was touched to see Alexandra bend over the kiss the little girl (Olga?)on the side of her head in a very loving way.   A rare window into the real Alexandra. 

Can anyone venture a guess as to who the little girl is that MF affectionately played with her hair? 

Thanks for the great clip Inok!  I love to watch the IF in these clips.   So much more intimate than still photos.

119

The Alexander Palace / Re: Alan's 2012 Photos of the AP, Feodorovski and Gorodok, etc.

« on: August 07, 2012, 08:42:31 AM »

Wonderful photos!  Thanks for posting.    Does anyone know if someone is living in Ana Vyrubova's house now or what  is the status as far as future renovation,etc.?  I noticed in the first photo there are flowers in the window boxes.   At the very least someone is trying to make the building look as if it is being "loved".   

120

Maria Nicholaievna / Re: Anniversary of Maria's birthday -- post memorial messages & tributes here!

« on: June 27, 2012, 12:37:40 PM »

Dearest beautiful Maria, of all the amazing personalities I've come to know from my studies of the Romanov dynasty, you are the one I would have most like to have known.   I feel a kinship with you.   Someday, in heaven, I hope we become friiends.    Happy Birthday Maria.  Rest in peace.