Ella and Serge pictures

[Captain Koala]

[Eric_Lowe]

Think that one was from the Mountbatten book...

[Captain Koala]

@ Eric. That's right : ).

[Eric_Lowe]

Yes. I got the book somewhere...Remember those pics. Alice looked nice...

[perdita]

Well...Serge was such an authorative figure and does have a cruel streak in him. I don't think he is to be pitied. Ella herself embraced the mythered crown (refusing to leave when there is still time, given safe passage by the Kaiser himself). She died willingly for her people. She should be revered and respected and not pitied.

Given that the Grand Duke Serge and the Elizabeth (however authorative & willfully devout) did not OPT to be childless--or slaughtered in the streets without being tried & convicted lawfully for capital crimes a modicum of "pity" might be permitted.

[Eric_Lowe]

I think pity should be given to Ella since she tried to do good (and was beloved) before and after she became a nun.

[feodorovna]

I think pity should be given to Ella since she tried to do good (and was beloved) before and after she became a nun.

......and whatever it was that Ella discovered once inside her wedding ring was probably not revealed to her prior to it being placed on her finger. I think, whatever his sexual preferences, Serge was a difficult man, whose moods could not be second guessed. My understanding is that Ella handled the situation calmly and serenely, and stood steadfastly by her marriage vows, putting her energies into doing good, rather than seeking hedonistic pursuits.

[Eric_Lowe]

Yes. And it is not surprise that Ella became a saint.