What if the AA case had happened today?

[Annie]

If the AA case, or something like it, were to happen now, in these times, what would happen? My guess is that it would not go so far or so long as it did back then. But even with the DNA tests we have today, things can drag on. Look at Anna Nicole Smith's baby case, they still can't get a test done! And James Brown still lies frozen 4 months after he died until someone can get a court to grant the rights to take his DNA. Then when the DNA did come out, would there still be 'switch' theorists? Or would any imposter even try in these times, knowing there was DNA? Well, a lot of guys are claiming to be the father of ANS's baby, most of them know they are not, they are just after money- like AA and her supporters? It's worth a try?

Another big factor is the media. With all the tabloids and investigative reporters out there today, surely they'd have dug up a lot more than anyone found back then. IMO, they'd be able to uncover FS's story a lot easier, more pics, more witnesses, more detail. There would also be ways to prove AA's cart story was impossible, and that Alexander Tchiakovsky never existed.

So while it would be easier to prove her a fake, there would also be even more temptation to keep the story going for more money and fame for all of those involved. Howard K. Stern is getting millions from ET in the ANS case, who would it be in the AA case? Botkin?  What kind of circus would today's media make of it all and how would this affect the outcome and payoffs? Any ideas?

[Romanov_fan]

There would most likely be more publicity. With that would come perhaps even more drama than there was.I'm sure there would have been imposters, but they would have found a mass of excuses to evade DNA tests. One imposter, did in fact live into very recent times, long after her claim was pretty much known as bogus, and she refused DNA testing. After all, there were lots of Alexei's despite the fact hemophilia was fairly obvious, then, but they made excuses up, so the same with DNA. I agree about the media though, because I can see they would have investigated AA's story and made people question things more. They would have stopped at nothing, because their audience would have been avid. That might have stopped her claim more than DNA.

 Anna Anderson herself was not really glamorous or photogenic, but her claim was, which would have gotten her enough attention. But being glamorous ( i.e. very royal) or photogenic would have helped her claim in modern times, no matter what the truth. I think things like that are more important today. That is an interesting question, and it would be a circus, although wasn't it then- money, royalty, death, court cases?

[TheAce1918]

It would also be really dated.  If the case were to be today...that is whatever happened in 1922 and ruckus it caused then were to unfold now...Imperial Angel is right...tons of publicity, and now that the Soviet Union has been disolved...there is a possibility for more mysteries and/or missing pieces to this puzzle.  DNA is another issue, however, no one said science was perfect.  

[Annie]

It would also be really dated.  If the case were to be today...that is whatever happened in 1922 and ruckus it caused then were to unfold now...

I meant if it were new today, somebody claiming to be a dead princess now.

DNA is another issue, however, no one said science was perfect.  

There were four different tests, they all said the same thing. And nobody switched the intestines.

[TheAce1918]

It would also be really dated.  If the case were to be today...that is whatever happened in 1922 and ruckus it caused then were to unfold now...

I meant if it were new today, somebody claiming to be a dead princess now.

DNA is another issue, however, no one said science was perfect.  

There were four different tests, they all said the same thing. And nobody switched the intestines.

Oh.  That was my second guess.  Disregard me 

[Annie]

We've been through it ALL here, over and over again. Look back through some of the old threads. Intestine switch, queen having results riggged, etc., we've heard it all but none of it is true. Also for more info on the science part, check out the DNA resource thread at the top of the page. People who post here who know all about science explain it all, and how the tests are accurate.

[Janet_W.]

I agree with much of what has been mentioned so far. However, let's also remember that the murder of the Imperial family happened after a revolution and during a war. Situations were chaotic. People were in a day-to-day survival mode.

Now think about the mix-ups and controversies following the 9/11 attacks . . . and that continue. Or about what is going on in Iraq. People disappear. Executions at all levels are ongoing if not rampant. Bombs detonate and take out . . . who? And how many? In some cases only shreds of flesh and bone are left. Or remains are discovered days, months or even years later. Years from now, when--it is to be hoped--situations will have stabilized, how many mysteries will evolve out of what has been going on each day of the (so far) four years? And despite today's improved technology and media documentation, how many of those lost will be recovered, or even remembered?

[grandduchessella]

It depends on the will to do so, I suppose--the recovering and remembering. I saw a documentary once about a group that helps in excavating the various mass graves from Bosnia, Rwanda and other countries that have experienced such tragedies. If people have family members left (and a good number might not) to provide evidence and DNA, the long process of trying to identify those, often in the 100s, sometimes the 1000s, in the graves goes on. It's a tremendously sad procedure but at least helps bring some answers and, hopefully, some kind of peace to the families. In New York City, the coroner's office maintains the fragments and even miniscule blood samples from 9/11 victims which are too small and/or damaged to determine identity now but which will hopefully respond to scientific advances in the years to come. All family members of those still unidentified (about 40%, I think) have given a sample for future comparison.