The coincidences of history.

There was a prophecy in Russian history that the Romanov dynasty, which began with a Michael, would also end with a Michael. It is certainly true that the dynasty began with Michael Romanov, a sixteen-year-old boy. Following the Time of Troubles in the early seventeenth century, Michael was elected Tsar of Muscovy by the Boyars. They thought they could control him. They were wrong.

As to the last tsar, it is generally believed that Nicholas II, who was murdered along with his family by the Bolsheviks, was the last tsar. But was he? World War I was raging, and Nicholas was at the front when the burdens of his office became too great for him to bear, and he abdicated. He sent the following telegram to his younger brother, Grand Duke Michael, who was in St Petersburg, helping to quell the disorders.

To His Majesty the Emperor Michael…

Recent events have forced me to decide irrevocably to take this extreme step. Forgive me if it grieves you, and also for no warning – there was no time. Shall always remain a faithful and devoted brother. Now returning to HQ, where hope to come back shortly to Tsarskoye Selo. Fervently pray God to help you and our country. Nicky.

There is no doubt that in sending the telegram, Nicholas put a target on his younger brother’s back. Also beyond doubt is the simple fact that until he formally renounced the throne several hours after receiving the telegram, Michael was the Tsar.

A further coincidence is that Michael Romanov was found by the boyars in the Ipatiev Monastery. And then we come to Nicholas II and his family, who were assassinated in the cellar of the Ipatiev House in Ekaterinburg.

Below is a charming picture of Grand Duke Michael (or Tsar Michael II). He is actually smiling, which was unusual for photographs of that time, so I suspect it wasn’t a formal portrait.

Michael is the subject of my book The Disappearance of Michael Romanov.