Bloomberg News reports DNA Tests show remains those of Alexei and Maria.

[CorisCapnSkip]

Plus, the body buried under the name of Anastasia was approximately five inches taller than Anastasia is known to have been just months before.  What were they thinking?

[NAOTMAA Fan]

Exactly!! I've always personally thought the Russian scientists were quick to label one of the bodies as Anastasia's solely to shut up crazed and avid Anna Anderson supporter's. Despite the fact that I feel they've obviously misinterpreted the identity of the remains, at least it appears they're all found.

[Annie]

The proof that all the bodies are accounted for is a huge thing, but I also think there needs to be a resolution of which girl is which, along with a recognition by the ROC before we can finally end the story (barring the conspiracy theories sure to come, I can't wait to see what they will be.) Why? Anything that's not absolute makes the proof look shaky to those who have doubts. I guess they'll sort it all out, they have the technology.

[Robert_Hall]

Anastasia and Maria were so close, it probably will never be known which remains belonged to whom. What is important is that they ALL have been accounted for, finally!

[Laura Mabee]

Amen Robert!

[halen]

Amen exactly.  Do we really need a resolution of whether it was Marie or Anastasia? I agree with Robert...we may never really know. The main issue is the family is accounted for. For me that is the end of the story. If the myths and pretenders continue to exist...and they will...who cares. There are worse myths to perpetuate.

Louise

[Valerian]

Whoever's bones have been unearthed that should be the end of the story unless still more bones are found in the vicinity.  Whatever the case, no member of the Imperial family could possibly still be alive and the possibility that one or more escaped and lived clandestinely until death is only moot.  As for the Russian Orthodox Church, it has its own agenda.  I'd be more interested in what researchers can find in dusty, long-closed archives, record offices and private collections on the family, their fall from power and their murder.

[rubberduck-6]

http://www.repubblica.it/news/ired/ultimora/2006/rep_nazionale_n_3099757.html?ref=hpsbdx1

[Mexjames]

According to a CBS report linked to a banner here at Alexanderpalace.org, the remains found last summer near Yekaterinburg are indeed those of the Heir and his sister G.D. Maria.

I hope they will find proper burial next to their parents, if things are sped-up they could be buried just in a month!

This puts an end to all the speculations or their escape, the impostors, Mrs. Anderson's story, all that stuff is now part of legend but not history.

May the Heir and HIH Grand Duchess Maria rest in peace.

[Michael HR]

If you don't mind me asking why was the Church so difficult with the remains the first time around? DNA evidence is quite certain who they were

[helenazar]

If you don't mind me asking why was the Church so difficult with the remains the first time around? DNA evidence is quite certain who they were

For some strange reason ROC didn't like the idea that the remains found in the mid-90's were those of the IF. There seeems to be absolutely no reason for this, yet it was so. The only thing I can think of is that they were reluctant to trust the former Soviets, at least this is what they claimed, but no one aasked them to simply "trust", there was valid scientific evidence there, but they just wouldn't buy it... ROCA and another Russians Abroad organization even ended up hiring their own scientists to disprove the results. They didn't, except in tjhe latter's mind, but the controversy continued.  I am not so sure they will be accepting the current results either, that still remains to be seen...

[Michael HR]

Hi,

How strange. If every test shows that these are the mortal remains of the Imperial family why nlt accept as every one else does and allow them to be burried with their names. It is a very sad situation but at least we know and can pray for them knwoing where they lie at last.

[CorisCapnSkip]

Since it's now July, doesn't look as if there will be a ceremony and interment in time for the 90th anniversary.

[Mexjames]

Is there going to be a burial at all, and if so, does anybody out there know the date?

[nena]

I don't know....I though it would be july 17th?!