Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich of Russia

Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich of Russia (1861-1929) was a member of the Russian royal family, born in St. Petersburg. He was the fourth son of Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich and great-grandson of Emperor Nicholas I. Michael was educated at home by private tutors, and as a youth, he expressed an interest in the arts, literature, and music. He was also an accomplished linguist, speaking several languages fluently. Michael served in the Russian army during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 and was known for his bravery and military skills. However, he was often overlooked for important military posts due to his status as a junior member of the Romanov family. In 1891, Michael married Countess Sophie of Merenberg, and they had two daughters, Olga and Tatiana. However, the marriage was not a happy one, and they separated in 1902. After the overthrow of the monarchy in 1917 during the Russian Revolution, Michael was offered the crown by the Provisional Government, but he refused it, stating that he would accept the title only if it was given to him by a national assembly. In August 1918, he was arrested by the Bolsheviks and imprisoned in the city of Perm. In June 1919, Michael and his secretary were executed by the Bolsheviks without a trial or due process. His remains were later found and reinterred in the Romanov family vault in the Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg. Michael was beatified by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia in 2000 as a passion bearer, a person who suffered for his faith but was not martyred.