Russian Royal Soiree: A Night to Remember

Yesterday, the Russian Imperial Family hosted a grand soiree at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, marking a significant milestone in the country's rich cultural heritage. The event, which drew attention from the international community, was a testament to the enduring legacy of the Romanov dynasty, whose influence on Russian history and art is unparalleled. The evening's festivities were a masterclass in elegance, with guests dressed in their finest attire, and the palace's opulent halls transformed into a canvas of beauty and refinement. As the sun set over the Neva River, the atmosphere inside the palace was electric, with laughter and conversation flowing freely among the guests. The evening's entertainment included performances by renowned musicians and dancers, as well as a sumptuous feast that showcased the finest Russian cuisine. The event was a celebration of the country's storied past, and the enduring power of its royal family to bring people together in a shared experience of beauty and culture.

Princess Victoria with her father Ambassador Bettarini. Photo (c) Getty Images / Peter Kovalev.

A happy father and his beautiful daughter. Photo (c) Getty Images / Peter Kovalev.

The happy groom, Grand Duke George, waves to those outside the Russian Museum of Ethnography.

Photo (c) Peter Kovalev / TASS / Newscom.

Yesterday evening, guests gathered at the Russian Museum of Ethnography for a gala dinner after the wedding of Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia and Princess Victoria Romanovna Romanoff. The bride, who arrived at the venue on the arm of her father Ambassador Roberto Bettarini, wore her nuptial diadem, the Chaumet Lacis tiara, and its hundreds of diamonds truly blazed in the night. The princess had changed from her wedding gown into a hand-embroidered tulle gown with a white cape made of silk Mikado, inspired by traditional designs and embroidered in a Torzhok style. This creation, as well as the wedding dress of the princess, was the result of a collaboration between New York designer Reem Acra and Russian designer Elina Samarina. 

The Order of Saint Anastasia.

One noticed that the Order of Saint Anastasia the Holy Great Martyr was pinned to the gown of the princess. This order was given to the princess by her mother-in-law, who is the Head of all the Dynastic Orders of the Imperial House of Russia. The Order of Saint Anastasia is only awarded to women.

Grand Duchess Maria. Photo (c) Getty Images / Peter Kovalev.

The mother of the groom and new mother-in-law of the bride! Photo (c) Getty Images / Peter Kovalev.

Grand Duchess Maria of Russia arrives at the gala dinner. Photo (c) Anatoliy Medved /​ SIPA /​ Shutterstock.

Grand Duke George, Hélène Kirby, and Princess Victoria.

Hélène Kirby and Crown Princess Miriam of Bulgaria.

Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, the mother of the groom, donned an amethyst and pearl kokoshnik tiara with amethyst drop earrings. Helen Kirby de Bagration, Countess Dvinskaya and the aunt and godmother of the groom, wore a pearl tiara that has been in the family for many decades (and which was last worn by her sister Grand Duchess Maria at her 1976 wedding).

King Simeon II and Queen Margarita of Bulgaria with Fürst Heinrich XIV Reuß zu Köstritz behind them. Photo (c) Getty Images / Olga Maltseva.

Crown Prince Leka and Crown Princess Elia of Albania. Photo (c) Getty Images / Olga Maltseva.

Prince Joachim and Princess Yasmine Murat. Photo (c) Getty Images / Peter Kovalev.

Prince Aimone and Princess Olga of Savoy, Duke and Duchess of Aosta.

Photo (c) Anatoliy Medved /​ SIPA /​ Shutterstock.

The Duke and Duchess of Braganza with their son Dom Afonso, Prince of Beira, and daughter Infanta Maria Francisca, Duchess of Coimbra. Photo (c) Anatoliy Medved /​ SIPA /​ Shutterstock.

Prince David and Princess Irina Bagration-Mukhransky of Georgia. Photo (c) Anatoliy Medved /​ SIPA /​ Shutterstock.

Princess Lea of Belgium. Photo (c) Anatoliy Medved /​ SIPA /​ Shutterstock.

A bit over five hundred guests were invited to the gala dinner. Social distancing was practiced as much as possible, and tables were kept at an appropriate distance from each other. The wedding organisers have observed many taken measures owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Guests of the imperial wedding have voluntarily undergone temperature checks and many wore masks at different periods. 

The view of a guest at the imperial gala.

Live music was provided throughout the evening by several musicians and vocalists. When guests sat down to dine, each received a commemorative medallion; one side bears the profiles of Grand Duke George and Princess Victoria and the other side bears their joint monogram. This kind of medal has become a much loved keepsake for the guests of royal weddings over the past century. The menu at the dinner was as follows:

Birch Log and Blinis "à la Peterbourgeoise" with Golubitskoe Estate Reisling 2020

Beef Stroganoff "à l'Impériale" with Golubitskoe Estate Merlot 2019

The "Victoria Romanovna" Wedding Cake accompanied by an Orange Sorbet with a Fête de Cheval Brüt Golubitskoe Estate 2018 

Vodka "Tsarskaya Zolotaya"

Read More : A Royal Soirée Yesterday at the Russian Museum of Ethnography!

Mignardises Coffee, Tea, Herbal Tea

The "Victoria Romanovna" Wedding Cake. Photo (c) Michael Lewis-Anderson.

Princess Victoria and Grand Duke George cut their wedding cake with a sword! Photo (c) Russian Imperial Chancellery.

One of the highlights of the evening was surely when the imperial couple cut their wedding cake. Created by baker Michael Lewis-Anderson, this scrumptious creation consisted of fleur d'oranger with blueberries and raspberries. Mr Lewis-Anderson noted that he wished to incorporate the three colours of the Russian flag. He was also inspired by Fabergé, as can be seen by the tip top of the wedding cake. In addition to the menu above, this divine dessert was surely a wonderful finale to a delicious evening.

The imperial couple! Photo (c) Russian Imperial Chancellery.

As we conclude our account of the Russian Royal Soiree, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of the Romanov dynasty and the significant impact it has had on Russian history and culture. The evening's festivities, which took place at the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, were a testament to the family's ability to bring people together in a shared experience of beauty and refinement. The royal soiree was a celebration of the country's storied past, and the evening's entertainment, including performances by renowned musicians and dancers, was a masterclass in elegance and sophistication.

The Russian Royal Soiree serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring our cultural heritage. It is through events like this that we are able to connect with our past and appreciate the contributions that have shaped our present. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to celebrate and learn from our history, ensuring that the rich cultural traditions of the Romanov dynasty continue to thrive. We hope that this account of the royal soiree has provided a glimpse into the beauty and grandeur of Russia's royal past, and we look forward to sharing more stories of its rich cultural heritage in the future.