The House of Romanov invited to return to Russia
Dutchess Maria Vladimirovna
June 23, 2015
Izvestia.ru <http://izvestia.ru/news/587917>
Translated by Kristina Rus
Deputies believe that in a crisis the return of the Imperial dynasty will
become a symbol of revival of spiritual power of the country
Members of the house of Romanov's were offered to return to Russia. A deputy
of legislative assembly of Leningrad region, Vladimir Petrov, sent the
appropriate address to the official members of the Romanov family,
permanently residing abroad, - Duchess Maria Vladimirovna in Spain and
Prince Dmitry Romanovich in Denmark (copies of the letters were obtained by
"Izvestia"). Deputies intend to develop a draft law establishing a special
status of members of the Royal family and providing for their return. In
particular, the official residence of the Romanov's could become one of the
abandoned palaces in St. Petersburg or Crimea.
"Your Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna! - the deputy
addressed the head of the Imperial house of Romanov. - Throughout the
history of their reign, the Imperial dynasty of the Romanov's was one of the
foundations of Russian statehood... Today, a difficult process of restoring
Russia's greatness and its return to world influence is underway. I am sure
that at this crucial historic moment, members of the Imperial House of
Romanov can't stay away from processes taking place in Russia".
Petrov is confident that "the return of the descendants of the last Russian
Tsar to their historic homeland will contribute to the smoothing of
political contradictions in the country, remaining from the time of the
October revolution, and will become a symbol of revival of the spiritual
power of the peoples of Russia".
The MP believes that the Romanovs could participate in public ceremonies.
"Descendants of the Royal family can play an important symbolic role in the
life of Russian society . As in many European countries, the Romanovs could
become a symbol of preservation of traditions and national culture," - the
statement says.
The legislative assembly of the Leningrad region is planning to develop a
draft law "On special status of members of the Royal family" in the near
future, to create conditions for the return of the descendants of the
Romanovs. For example, the official residence of the Romanovs in Russia is
proposed to be one of the palaces in the suburbs of St. Petersburg or
Crimea.
- To this day many beautiful Royal palaces in the suburbs are empty or
misused. I think if one of these palaces in Leningrad region would be used
as the official residence of the Royal family, it will only be for the
better, - says Petrov.
According to him, the residence can be arranged in Ropshinsky, Pavlovsky
palaces near St. Petersburg or in Livadia Palace in Crimea.
The Director of the office of the head of Russian Imperial house of Romanov,
Alexander Zakatov, said that representatives of the House are ready to move
to Russia.
- The Imperial house has repeatedly stated that it is ready to return to
Russia for permanent residence, our representatives often visit Russia and
strive to move, - he says. - Duchess Maria Vladimirovna could return at any
moment as a private person, but she is the head of the Imperial house and
has responsibility before the ancestors, and her return must be appropriate.
She does not claim any property nor political powers and privileges, but
wants that, as in most countries of the world, the Imperial house could be a
historical institution and part of historical heritage. It is a cultural
recognition, but it must be expressed through a legal instrument. Only then
will the Imperial house move. Currently in Russia there is not even a place
of residence for the members of the house.
Zakatov also fears that the Romanovs will be drawn into a political game in
Russia.
- The Imperial house is not involved in any political struggle. There are
some circles which would like its involvement, such as the monarchists or
the opposition. Therefore if a return occurs without a legal status, then
there is ground for political speculation, - he says.
In addition, according to the director of the office, the return of all the
Romanovs may even harm Russia.
- Around the world, there are thousands or even tens of thousands of
descendants who are not members of the Imperial house. This is a wide
circle, and it is unclear whether Russia will benefit from them. There are
those who long ago broke away from the Imperial house, they don't speak
Russian, and profess another religion. The status of the House of Romanov is
based on the dynastic law. Family law, established by Emperor Paul in 1797,
always indicates a person with rights and duties of the head of the house,
those who are members, who has what titles, etc.
Note that now there are two main branches of the Romanov family -
Kirillovichs and Nikolaevichs. The first call themselves "The Imperial house
in exile", headed by Maria Vladimirovna, the second is the association of
descendants of the house of Romanov, headed by Prince Nicholas Romanovich.
According to the professor of the School of Historical Sciences of the
Higher School of Economics, Oleg Budnitskiy, the legitimate heirs to the
throne are the Kirillovichs.
- After the murder of the Royal family, the legitimate heir, according to
the law of succession, became Duke Kirill Vladimirovich, who at the time
lived in Germany. He proclaimed himself "Emperor in exile" in 1924. But he
was not popular at the house of the Romanovs, although genealogically he was
the heir. From him stemmed the branch of the Kirillovichs, who are the heirs
to the Russian throne, - says the historian. - After the revolution, the
Romanovs ended up in different countries - Germany, France, England,
Denmark, where today their descendants continue to live. In 1990's the idea
about their return was popular. They often come and participate in events,
they are welcomed at the high level.
The head of the Institute of Political Studies, Sergei Markov said that the
return of the Romanovs in no way will affect the mood of citizens.
- In most countries the population has no respect for Imperial houses, with
the exception of the UK and the Netherlands, - he says. - In Russia, the
Romanovs are viewed as either innocent victims because of the execution by
the Bolsheviks, or traitors, who in the critical years of the Tsarist
monarchy behaved irresponsibly. Many believe that the abdication of Nicholas
II led to the civil war.
http://fortruss.blogspot.ca/2015/06/the-house-of-romanov-invited-to-return.h
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