Letter from Maria Fyodorovna to Nicholas II from Kiev on 16 November 1916

Kiev, 16 November 1916

My darling, dear Nicky!

As Sandro is leaving today, I will write a few lines with him. I cannot tell you how happy I was to see you here with dear Alexis. It was so fine and cosy, and I remembered those two days with such pleasure. Unfortunately, the weather is not very nice, with no sun, but at least the meeting and reception in Kiev were most cordial and warm. Everyone here is still speaking about it with such delight. Sandro can tell you about Baby Olga’s wedding et grandes emosions. [1]

I am so glad that I was present and God grant her happiness. She has written twice to me, so pleased, I have the time of my life! [2] U[ncle] Pavel was here for two days, on my birthday. He was very sweet, and I was very glad to see him and speak with him, the last [of] my beaux-frères! [3]

I am always with you in thought, and sense how hard it must be for you sometimes, especially recently.

May God help you and strengthen you, my dear Nicky.

Thank you for Bulygin, [4] who is very happy d’etre [5] high cup-bearer.

I hug you tenderly and wish you the very, very best.

God be with you, loving you deeply,

Your old Mama.

My best love to dear Alix and sweet gnd children. [6]

Footnotes

1. “And the great emotions” (French).

2. Text in italics in English in the original.

3. “Brothers-in-law” (French).

4. Alexander Grigoryevich Bulygin (1851–1919): Minister of the interior (1905), secretary of state, high cup-bearer (1916), member of the State Council, head of the chancellery of Empress Maria (1913).

5. “To be” (French).

6. Text in italics in English in the original.