Grand Duchess in Exile. A Story of what the Cousin of Nicholas II Endured

The Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna and her close ones managed to escape death by fleeing revolutionary Russia. However, life in a foreign land turned out to be difficult, and the duchess gratefully remembers the few who helped her family, among... them the King and Queen of Romania. The duchess recounts her friendship with King Alfonso of Spain, meetings with the Queen of England, Empress Maria Feodorovna, and King Gustav, as well as the twists and turns of life in London and Paris. In search of a livelihood, the duchess tried to earn a living through sewing, knitting, and embroidery. Her acquaintance with Coco Chanel prompted Maria Pavlovna to organize her own business – an embroidery workshop. Finally, she really began to earn. Striving to help her compatriots in distress, the duchess actively engaged in charity work. Her story is a candid look at life in exile without embellishments, complaints, or hatred.