Tsarevich Aleksey Nicholaievich Romanov

1904-1918

Childhood 1904-1909

    On July 30, Russia finally heard the 301 gun salute that announced the birth of a son to the reigning Tsar.  That boy was known as Aleksey Nicholaievich Romanov.  A segment of Nicholas's diary for the eventful day shows the love already felt for him, "A great and unforgettable day for us, during which we were clearly visited by the grace of God. At 1.15 in the afternoon Alix gave birth to a son, whom in prayer we have named Aleksey."  He was nicknamed Alyosha, which means a little sunbeam, and is a diminutive of Aleksey.
    He was adored by his parents and sisters alike, the long awaited heir to the throne.  His tutor in later years summed it up by saying, "Aleksey was the center of this united family, the focus of all its hopes and affections. His sisters worshiped him. He was his parents' pride and joy. When he was well, the palace was transformed. Everyone and everything in it seemed to be bathed in sunshine." But such innocent happiness was short lived.










Aleksey with his adoring parents.   These are from a series of photos after his christening in 1904.

    When he was just a six weeks old, they noticed bleeding from his navel, and then large bruises.  He was diagnosed with hemophilia, a rare genetic disorder passed down from Queen Victoria of England.  Hemophiliacs blood can not clot properly, which can lead to large, painful internal hemorrhages.  Even a slight scrape could cause an attack. 
    None the less, he grew up to be a happy, and for the most part, a healthy child.


Aleksey with his sisters (L to R, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia)in 1906.
Aleksey a little older in tradtional Russian dress.


                                                  Aleksey in a salior suit, most likely aboard the Standart.

  
Pre-War Years 1909-1914
   
    Because of Aleksey's hemophilia he was given two sailor nannies, Nagorny and Derevenko, when he turned five.  One of them was always with him, to protect him, and keep him safe.
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War Years 1914-1918
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The Final Days 1918
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