Prince Nicholas & Grand Duchess Helen (Elena)

[dmitri]

Well from what I have read she was rather imperious .. Princess Andrew of Greece, mother of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh knew her well of course. They were sisters-in-law. It's interesting to note what Maria Feodorovna wrote about her.

[Eric_Lowe]

True...However Helene was devoted to Kate Fox, her daughters's governess and never treated her as "help". It was this closeness that spawn Michen's jealousy that got Kate fired (for a time). This is illustred in Charlotte Zeepvat's "Crade to Crown". 

[Laura_]

True...However Helene was devoted to Kate Fox, her daughters's governess and never treated her as "help". It was this closeness that spawn Michen's jealousy that got Kate fired (for a time). This is illustred in Charlotte Zeepvat's "Crade to Crown". 

you should at least try to spell the title correctly..and completely.

[Cambria_Coheed]

Yes, I just read from Cradle to crown...and I felt sorry for the girls...Olga,Elizabeth and Marina...they seemed to be caught in the middle of this spat between Michen, Elena...and Kate 

[Luc]

Could anyone give more info about Elena's position within the Greek royal family ? How did she get on with her sisters-in-law, Princess Andrew, the Crown Princess Sophie and Princess George ?

[Eric_Lowe]

She did not get along with any of her sisters in law, especially Princess Andrew (a rivary which daughter would make a better marriage) and Princess George (almost a commoner). However She and Alice later reconciled. When Elena died, Queen Fredericka of Greece did not alert Alice, she was quite cross with her not to allow her the chance to say goodbye...

[Marc]

Did you read the book?Impressions?

[Eric_Lowe]

I had that picture in my book too. 

Which book ? It was in Hugo Vicker's "Princess Alice". But in Charlotte Zeepvat's 'Cradle to Throne" gives a more personal picture of Ellen.

[Maria_Pavlovna]

Did you read the book?Impressions?

Of course, it was good, but i like Christopher's memoirs more, it was funny, Nicky's was too much politics stuff :/. 

[Eric_Lowe]

I like both. The one Prince Andrew wrote was worse...entirely political.

[Maria_Pavlovna]

Ellen with Ducky.

(Already can be found in the Vladimirichi topic under Imperial Family)

[Eric_Lowe]

Charming picture of Ducky & Ellen.

They remained close even after Ellen's tiff with Cyril over his imperial pretentions (which she did not share one bit).

[Marlene]

Yet Helen and her daughter, the Duchess of Kent, were constant visitors to Kirill at the American hospital when he becames ill.

[Eric_Lowe]

I think by that time family affection came over Ellen as she is just visiting a sick brother, not congradulating a tsar-in-exile. Ducky was long dead at that time and his daughters married. Perhaps she felt he needed her at this time. Ellen also reconciled with Alice Battenberg (Princess Andrew) during the war in Athens.

[Maria_Pavlovna]

Lol, true. I wonder how many jewels, she had, like photo ID? her collection was great! not as great as her mothers, or the two Russian Empresses (Alix and Minny) but very good.