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State Visit

by The Tsarevich Nicholas Aleksandrovich (The Future Tsar Nicholas II of Russia)

Seated from left to right, Crown Prince Maha Vajirunhis of Siam, the Tsarevich Nicholas Aleksandrovich of Russia, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) Grand Duke George Aleksandrovich, younger brother of the Tsarevich, Prince Chaturanta Rasmi, younger brother of the King. (See close-up below) This was taken when the Tsarevich made a visit to Siam in March 1891, taken at Bang Pa-in Summer Palace.
I was very interested in this photograph, which shows the beginning of a great friendship between the King and the Tsar, and of Siam and Russia. I am currently finding out more information on the visit. Later on, King Chulalongkorn made a visit to Russia and sent a son, HRH Prince Chakrabongse to study in Russia under the care of the Tsar. The friendship between the two countries consequently put Siam on the map. It was also King Chulalongkorn's visits to Europe, and his friendship with the powerful countries that made Siam an acceptable, as well as an exotic ally.

A Brief History

Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia (6 May 1868 to 4 July 1918 in the Julian Calendar, or 18 May 1868 to 17 July 1918 in the Gregorian Calendar), was the last Emperor of Imperial Russia. He ruled from November 1, 1894 until his abdication on March 15, 1917, and was killed with his family in 1918.

Nicholas's full name was Nikolai Aleksandrovich Romanov. His official title was Bozhiyeyu Milostiyu, Imperator i Samodyerzhets Vserossiysky (By the Grace of God, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia). The title Tsar (or Czar), derived from the Roman title Caesar via the Byzantine form Kaisar, had been officially abolished in 1721 by Peter the Great, but it was informally used throughout Nicholas's reign.

(Taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - for more information on the Tsar and the Imperial Family, please follow the link below)
   
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