Ah, "richard 1990" and your Reply # 584: Your comments about the "erratic" succession to the Russian throne, reminds me of a quote (author unknown to me, at least at present): "The Russian throne is neither hereditary, nor elective.....it is usurperatory." Regards, AP.
Pretty much in agreement here, Aleksandr Pavlovich. However, what of this word, usurperatory? Would you be so kind as to elaborate on this definition?
When you look at the 'big picture', I am not so sure that Putin would wish for a monarch to live in the restored Alexander Palace. Further, I am not so sure that a monarch would choose to live there either.
I have made many trips to the UK and Ireland, on spiritual tours, that have taken me through many castles. The hiers of these homes find it extremely expensive to maintain. Many of them simply renovate a condominium style of living in a portion of the castle, and allow tourists to come through, as part of The National Trust. This way they can keep their properties as part of their inheritance. We know that there would be funds to maintain Alexander Palace.
I am inclined to agree with Lisa Davidson's outlook on the young Prince Rostislav Rostislavovich Romanov. He represents the line of Alexander III, through his great grandmother Xenia Alexandrovna Romanova. He is in good standing with all of the Romanov relations, and attends royal gatherings by invitation. People know of him.
There are others out there, however, that may not be recognized or wish to have nothing to do with the turmoil of the family. I will step out on a limb here, because I am a believer, and mention that there was the daughter of Prince Nicolas Dolgoruky and Cecile Czapska (aka Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna), Olga-Béata (b.1927). Her son, Alexis d'Anjou Romanov-Dolgorouki, Duke of Durazzo (1946-1995), has a son living in Europe. I am aware that he does not even know he is a Romanov, though many of you would say that he is not. I have read Alexis' book, and find it both with credence and authenticity. There are still many supporters of Alex. When he was living, he occupied the position as a Russian, for the Soveriegn Order for Saint John of Jerusalem.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceclava_Czapskahttp://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/UNIoN_SOVIeTICA/zarina/hijas/sobrevivieron/matanza/familia/imperial/rusa/elpepiint/19800210elpepiint_1/Tes/http://www.orderofsaintjohn.info/I am one that believes there are descendants in the world today, under alias names they were given at birth with their parents. After learning about all the victims of the Stalin era, and how he sent his KGB around the world to silence exiled Russians that were not supportive of him, there is room for other theory and considerations. Due to the fact that the Romanoff Family Association does not entertain claimants, one can imagine the costs of going public, and having the support to do so.
The old laws regarding the succession should also be left up to interpretation. This has been stated by the current president, Nikolai Romanovich
of the RFA, for there is no Tsar to approve or deny marriages or divorces, and there are not enough royals to marry! In the interim, it is up to the people of Russia to make the overture of a return. They may never decide to do so.
