Princess Irina of Romania Restored to Royal Title and Style by Custodian of the Crown

 

Princess Irina with her husband John, her sister Margarita, and her father King Michael of Romania on 27 October 2011.
Photograph (c) Agerpres / Cristian Nestor

Irina Walker, the princess formerly known as HRH Princess Irina of Romania, has been restored to her royal style and title by her sister, the Custodian of the Crown Margarita.

Screenshot from an archived version of the Romanian royal family's page on Princess Irina (2017).

Screenshot from an archived version of the Romanian royal family's page on Princess Irina (3 August 2020).

In October 2014, Her Royal Highness Princess Irina of Romania was stripped of her title and style, following the legal situation in Oregon, United States, involving the princess and her husband, John Wesley Walker. At that time, Irina and her descendants were also removed from the succession to the Romanian throne under the 2007 Fundamental Rules of the Royal House of Romania. The website of the royal family was updated to show that Irina was no longer considered a princess or a royal highness: the third daughter of King Michael and Queen Anne was referred to as simply "Irina Walker." Previously, the heading of the page about the princess had read "ASR Principesa Irina." As of August 2020, the website of the Royal Family of Romania has been updated in certain aspects. One particular change to note is that Irina is now referred to as "ASR Principesa Irina" (HRH Princess Irina), as she was titled and styled for all of her life until 2014. In a Romania Regala blogpost commemorating the fourth anniversary of the death of Her Majesty Queen Anne of Romania, Irina is again referred to as a princess, along with her three sisters (Helen, Sophie, and Marie). The line of precedence given on the royal family's website confirms that a change has been made in Irina's status. Previously, "Irina Walker" has appeared in the line of precedence after "ES Alexander Nixon" (His Excellency Alexander Nixon), who is the husband of HRH Princess Helen. Now, "ASR Principesa Irina" is listed after Mr Nixon in the line of precedence. The exact date on which HRH Princess Irina of Romania was restored to her royal style and title is not known at present. The princess and her descendants have not been reinstated within the line of succession.

King Michael and Queen Anne of Romania with their daughter Princess Irina in 1953.

Princess Irina of Romania was born on 28 February 1953 at Clinique de Montchoisi in Lausanne, Switzerland. Irina was the third daughter of King Michael I of Romania and Queen Anne (née Bourbon-Parma), who married in 1948. The princess was baptised at the Beau Rivage Hotel; her godfather was King Paul of the Hellenes. Only the closest members of the family were present: Queen Mother Helen of Romania, Princess Margrethe of Bourbon-Parma (née Denmark), and Helen's sister the Duchess of Aosta (née Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark; namesake of the little Irina). Queen Anne noted that Irina "grew into a very mild and gentle little girl."

Lord Roderick Gordon watches while Princess Irina of Romania drives the tractor on the Gordon farm in Alberta.

Irina was educated in British boarding schools and took a secretarial course at Oxford University. In late 1973, Irina went to work on the 1,020 acre-farm in Bentley, Alberta, Canada, which belonged to Lord Major Roderic Gordon (1914-1996) and his second wife Iona (1922-2003; née Bujoiu). The Gordons were friends of King Michael and Queen Anne. While at the Gordon farm, the princess was interviewed in August 1974. "I get very shy and stutter when I have to introduce myself as Princess Irina," the twenty-one year-old confided. "I always wanted to go somewhere far away, but I didn't realise I'd come this far. When I go back to Europe I'm going to miss this... I don't know what I'll do, but I'd like to get back to working with animals. I enjoy the physical closeness of working with the horses the most. You get to know their characters - their bad habits and their good points." Lady Gordon, who was born during the reign of King Michael's grandfather King Ferdinand of Romania, noted that Irina was considered as just "one of the group" at the farm. "Her parents specifically said not to give her any special treatment," Iona Gordon said. While at the estate, the princess took part in all of the usual activities of the operation: "calving, haying, seeding, grooming, cleaning stables, driving tractors, weaning and treating horses, and keeping records." Her time with the Gordons no doubt solidified the lifelong love for the equine race that the princess has maintained. When she was asked about her father's position, Irina simply replied: "I don't talk about it. It's so very complicated." Irina responded when asked if the royal family would ever be able to return to their country: "Well,  you always hope."

 

Princess Irina of Romania and John Kreuger on the day of their religious wedding.

On 4 October 1983, Princess Irina of Romania married John Kreuger (b.1945), the son of Torsten Kreuger and his wife Diana Blanchefleur Hedberg (née Beve) in a civil ceremony at Scottsdale, Arizona. On 11 February 1984, the couple were wed in a religious ceremony at Holy Trinity Church in Phoenix, Arizona. The event was attended by the Romanian royal family: King Michael and Queen Anne, and Michael's aunt Princess Ileana.

 

King Michael and Queen Anne of Romania with their daughters, Princesses Margarita, Irina, and Sophie, and their grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael, and Angelica.

Irina and John had two children. Their son Michael Torsten Kreuger was born on 25 February 1984 at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay, Oregon. Their daughter Angelica Marguerita Bianca was born on 29 December 1986 at Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay, Oregon. The birth of Angelica turned into a newsworthy event, as her baptism was covered by the press due to the attended of her grandparents, King Michael and Queen Anne. At her baptism on Wednesday, 28 January 1987, which was held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland, Oregon, Angelica received three godparents: HM King Michael of Romania, Andrew Popeil of Arizona, and Lady Iona Gordon (who had hosted the baby's mother all those years ago). After the ceremony, a smiling King Michael noted: "She's our first granddaughter." Thirty members of the Romanian expatriate community showed up at the church - they had learned that their monarch would be attending his granddaughter's baptism. After Angelica was immersed in the silver font by the Reverend Elias Stephanopoulos, the priest invited the Romanians present to come and present their good wishes to the royal family.

 

King Michael and Queen Anne with their daughter Princess Irina and their grandchildren Michael and Angelica.

During the Romanian Revolution of December 1989, Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu was overthrown. From the 110-acre farm she shared with her husband Mr Kreuger, thirty-six year-old Princess Irina of Romania gave an interview to the AP. "For my father, Romania was always his home. But he's had to wait, and he never lost sight of the hope, of the dream that there would be a disappearing act of this type of evil power," the princess stated. When asked about her father's activities, Irina elaborated: "Right now, he's busy trying to sort everything out that's happened in the last two weeks. My father is under an overload of work with interviews and trying to get as much support as he can for his people." Princess Irina reiterated that she viewed her father as the rightful head of state of Romania, given the conditions of his 1948 abdication. "He was only twenty-four years-old, and they gave him four hours to decide. The communists had tanks and guns in the courtyard. He had to sign a document saying, 'Of my own free will, I abdicate.' Which is false. He had to do it to avoid bloodshed. My father has said that he's available to the people, should they want him back. Whatever the future holds, we'll just have to wait and see. We'll have to keep everything open and take things one day at a time." 

 

Princess Irina of Romania and her husband John Kreuger in 2011.
Photograph (c) Agerpres.

After twenty years of marriage, Princess Irina of Romania and John Kreuger divorced on 24 November 2003. On 10 November 2007 at Las Vegas, Nevada, Irina married a second time to John Wesley Walker (b.1945).

 

Irina on horseback.

Princess Irina of Romania lives in Oregon. 

Engagement of Prince Philippos of Greece and Nina Flohr Announced by King Constantine II

Prince Philippos and his fiancée Nina Flohr

The Office of HM King Constantine II of Greece has released the following happy news: 

Their Majesties King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie are delighted to announce the engagement of their youngest son, Prince Philippos, to Nina Nastassja Flohr, daughter of Thomas Flohr and Katharina Flohr. Nina and Philippos were engaged on the island of Ithaca, in Greece early this summer. The details of their wedding will be released in due course.

On her Instagram account, Nina wrote: “My dearest Philippos. I love you today, I will love you tomorrow and forever. You make us happier, better and stronger. I cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives together.”

Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark

Philippos is the third son and youngest child of HM King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes (née Denmark). The prince was born at London on 26 April 1986. Philippos joined four older siblings: Princess Alexia (b.1965), Crown Prince Pavlos (b.1967), Prince Nikolaos (b.1969), and Princess Theodora (b.1983).

Photograph taken on the occasion of the baptism of Prince Philippos

King Juan Carlos of Spain holds his nephew and godson Prince Philippos while the Duke of Edinburgh looks on

The Princess of Wales with her godson Philippos

On 10 July 1986, Prince Philippos was baptised into the Greek Orthodox faith at St Sophia's Cathedral in London. Among his godparents were his uncle King Juan Carlos of Spain, his first cousin twice removed the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess of Wales, his aunt Princess Benedikte of Denmark, and his first cousin Infanta Elena of Spain.

The King and Queen of the Hellenes with their children

Philippos of Greece was raised in London; he visited Greece for the first time in 1993. As part of his primary education, the prince attended the Hellenic School at London, which was founded by his parents. Philippos went on to study Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, DC; he graduated from Georgetown in 2008 with his bachelors. 

Philippos with his family after his graduation from Georgetown University

The Royal Greek Brothers (l to r): Nikolaos, Pavlos, and Philippos

The prince lives in New York City. Since 2014, Philippos has worked as an analyst for Ortelius Capital, "an alternative investment group specializing in hedge funds and private equity." Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark has been in a relationship with Nina Nastassja Jade Flohr (b.22 January 1987), the only child of Swiss billionaire Thomas Flohr, founder of VistaJet, and his ex-wife Katharina Konečný. Philippos and Nina attended the wedding of Princess Eugenie of York and Mr Jack Brooksbank in 2018.

Newly engaged: Prince Philippos of Greece and Nina Flohr Photograph (c) Prince Nikolaos of Greece

Congratulations to Philippos and Nina! 

An Imperial and Royal Wedding Next Month: Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma to Marry Archduchess Gabriella of Austria in September

Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma, Archduchess Gabriella of Austria, and their daughter Victoria.
Photograph (c) Swiss Press.

According to reports, HRH Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma and HI&RH Archduchess Gabriella of Austria will marry next month. The couple became engaged on 22 October 2017 in Switzerland when Henri popped the question to Gabriella. It is not yet known where their September 2020 nuptials will take place. The pair are second cousins: both are great-grandchildren of Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg and her husband Prince Félix (1893-1970; né Bourbon-Parma). Henri and Gabriella have a daughter, Victoria Antonia Marie-Astrid Lydia, who was born on 30 October 2017.

Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma, Archduchess Gabriella of Austria, and their daughter Victoria.
Photograph (c) Swiss Press.

Prince Henri Luitpold Antoine Victor Marie Joseph of Bourbon-Parma was born at Roskilde, Denmark, on 14 October 1991. Henri is the youngest child and second son of Prince Erik of Bourbon-Parma (b.1953) and Countess Lydia Holstein-Ledreborg (b.1955), who married in 1980 and divorced in 1999. Henri's paternal grandparents are Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma (1924-2018) and Princess Yolande of Broglie-Revel (1928-2014). Henri's maternal grandparents are Count Knud Holstein-Ledreborg (1919-2001) and Princess Marie Gabrielle of Luxembourg (b.1925).

Archduchess Gabriella of Austria, Prince Henri of Bourbon-Parma, and their daughter in the stroller.
Photograph (c) Swiss Press.

Archduchess Gabriella Maria Pilar Yolande Joséphine-Charlotte of Austria was born at Geneva on 26 March 1994. Gabriella is the youngest child and second daughter of Archduke Carl Christian of Austria (b.1954) and Princess Marie-Astrid of Luxembourg (b.1954), who married in 1982. Gabriella's paternal grandparents are Archduke Carl Ludwig of Austria (1918-2007) and Princess Yolande de Ligne (b.1923). Gabriella's maternal grandparents are Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg (1921-2019) and Princess Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium (1927-2005).

The Week in Sales at Eurohistory...the winner is...

 This week we have been quite busy shipping out books to happy buyers...we have done everything we can to have a 24-hour turnaround from the moment your order is reported to us...and so far, we have managed to even ship books out on the same day of the order comes in, as long as the mailman has not come by yet! Clients have been quick to let us know how happy they are with the speed of our shipping and we intend to keep it up! Many, many thanks for your continue support! Here are the week's best seller results of the top 5 bestselling books! NUMBER 1: 58% percent of top-5 book orders were for purchases of our newest book...ROYAL COLLECTIONS IV: THE GRAND DUCAL HOUSE of HESSE! To order click on this link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1944207082

When Arturo E. Beéche founded Eurohistory in 1997, he envisioned the creation of a library of royal books encompassing all of Europe’s ruling and formerly ruling dynasties. Two decades later, and after more than 30 books and over 120 issues of Eurohistory, the royalty journal he founded in 1997, we bring you The Grand Ducal House of Hesse. This is the third German dynasty that Eurohistory publishes a book about, the first two being the Ducal House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and the Royal House of Bavaria (Volume I). This project is the culmination of more than two decades of research conducted by the authors. Beéche having already cooperated on several books and articles with Ms. Miller, a regular contributor to Eurohistory, pairing for another collaborative project was seamless. The Hesse and by Rhine Dynasty is one which Ms. Miller, better-known for her extensive work on the four daughters of Grand Duchess Alice of Hesse and by Rhine, with particular interest on Victoria Milford Haven, also feels passionately about. The result of years of research in Europe allowed Ms. Miller a unique insight into the lives of these four tragic sisters. The storyline begins in 1567. This was the year when the sons of Landgrave Philip "the Magnanimous” divided his vast lands among them. All branches of the Hessian dynasty stem from this territorial division. The Grand Ducal House of Hesse and by Rhine is among the most important German dynasties. Its members form a kaleidoscope of unique human beings: military and religious leaders, peculiar and heroic figures, talented artists and scientists, patrons of the arts and music, visionary and romantic architects, lucky and tragic people, dilettantes more interested in passing by than making a mark. They simply had it all. Their mark, not only in Darmstadt, but also throughout the Rhineland, is palpable in nearly every aspect of the region’s history, arts, letters, music, and architecture.

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NUMBER 2: 17% percent of top-5 book orders were for purchases of ... SISTERS: Daisy of Pless and Shelagh, Duchess of Westminster!

To order click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/8394176348

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NUMBER 3: 16% percent of top-5 book orders were for purchases of ... THE OTHER GRAND DUKES: Sons and Grandsons of Russia's Grand Dukes!

To order click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985460393

Included in this unique work, the Second Volume in a two-volume series, are 18 biographies of Russian grand dukes. These were the junior lines of the Russian Imperial Family at the time of the Revolution in 1917: Vladimirovichi, Pavlovichi, Konstantinovichi, Nikolaevichi and Mikhailovichi. The book is illustrated with exquisite and rare photographs of these intriguing men, their families and descendants. It also includes several family trees. The chapters were authored by some of today's most recognised authors and scholars on the Romanov Dynasty. –//–

NUMBER 4: 5% percent of top-5 book orders were for purchases of ... THE FOUR GRACES: Queen Victoria's Hessian Granddaughters!

To order click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/097719616X

Eurohistory brings you Ilana Miller's amazing story of Victoria, Elisabeth, Irene and Alix of Hesse and by Rhine, Queen Victoria's Hessian granddaughters, The Four Graces. This excellent book covers the lifespan of these four very tragic sisters. Ms. Miller did extensive research to bring us closer to the four sisters of Hesse. The thrilling narrative is certain to keep the reader grasped as the lives of these women unfold. Handsomely illustrated with unique photos of the Hessian sisters and their descendants, this hardbound book promises to become a "must-read" for anyone interested in European royal history and the Russian Imperial Family. The book also includes several family trees helping the reader place the extensive cast of characters in historical perspective. –//–

NUMBER 5: 4% percent of top-5 book orders were for purchases of ... ROYAL COLLRECTIONS III: The Royal House of Bavaria, Volume 1.

To order click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1944207090

The Wittelsbachs ruled over Bavaria and the Rhineland Palatinate for nearly 750 years, this fact made their dynasty one of Europe's longest-ruling families. Theirs is a history of not only sublime exaltation, but also deep and sorrowful loss. They were patrons of the arts and letters, incredible builders, scientists, politicians, visionaries, and maddening personalities. This first volume covers the history of the family from its beginning in the XI century to the life of Crown Prince Rupprecht, who died in 1955. In fact, the book is dedicated to him, "the best king Bavaria never had.”

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The Death of the Mother-In-Law of the Head of the Mexican Habsburgs

Their Imperial and Royal Highnesses Archduke Karl Philipp and Archduchess Annie-Claire of Austria, together with their sons Archduke Julian and Archduke Louis Damian, have shared the news of the death of Madame Fanny Lacrambe (née Pruvost de Montrichard), the mother of Archduchess Annie-Claire. Aged ninety-two, Madame Lacrambe died on Sunday, 23 August 2020, at Pau, France.

Death notice for Madame Fanny Lacrambe (née Pruvost de Montrichard).

Notice for the mass in commemoration of one year since the death of Dr. Henri Lacrambe.

The religious ceremony will be held in the strictest intimacy on Saturday, 29 August 2020, at 10:00am at the Church of Saint Thérèse in Pau. Madame Lacrambe's husband Dr. Henri Lacrambe died in 2013.

Don Carlos Felipe and Doña Annie-Claire de Habsburgo Lorena. Photograph courtesy of Casa de Habsburgo Lorena en México.

Archduke Karl Philipp and Archduchess Annie-Claire with their sons and Archduke Felix of Austria. Photograph courtesy of Casa de Habsburgo Lorena en México.

Annie-Claire Christine Lacrambe was born on 15 February 1959 at Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. She was the only daughter of Dr. Henri Gustave Lacrambe (1932-2 February 2013) and Fanny Pruvost de Montrichard (1928-2020). Annie-Claire had one brother, Mr. Paul-Henri Lacrambe (d.October 2003). On 12 May 1998, Annie-Claire Lacrambe married Archduke Karl Philipp of Austria (b.Mexico City 18 October 1954), the son of Archduke Felix of Austria (1916-2011) and Archduchess Anna-Eugénie (1925-1997; née Arenberg). Annie-Claire's husband is a great-great-nephew of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico and is the first male of the former ruling house to be born on Mexican soil. The couple have one son, Archduke Louis-Damian Henri Maria Marko d'Aviano Melchior of Austria (b.Montreal, Canada 23 September 1998). Archduke Karl Philipp was first married from 1994 until 1997 with Martina Donath (b.Vienna 18 Jun 1955), with whom he had one son, Archduke Julien Laurent Peter of Austria (b.Montreal 29 May 1994).

Archduke Carlos Felipe and Archduchess Annie-Claire with their sons Archdukes Julian and Louis-Damian. Photograph courtesy of Casa de Habsburgo Lorena en México.

For several years, Archduke Carlos Felipe and Archduchess Annie-Claire have established themselves in Mexico City, where they function as representatives of the Imperial House of Habsburg in Mexico. May Madame Lacrambe Rest In Peace.

Exposé: The Russian Imperial House Versus the Social Media Influencer Pretending to be a Romanoff

Exposé: 

The Russian Imperial House Versus the Social Media Influencer Pretending to be a Romanoff

by Seth B. Leonard

The Imperial House of Russia is currently engaged in a legal battle in Italy to prevent a social media influencer from using the Romanoff surname for commercial gain, among other concerns. Grand Duke George of Russia, the heir to the Headship of the Imperial House, is the plaintiff; Mr. Alberto Maccan (also known as "Carlo Alberto Maccan Romanoff"), a social media influencer, is the defendant. 

The Italian Social Media Influencer

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H.I.H. Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia, Heir to the Head of the Imperial House. Photograph courtesy of the Chancellery of the Grand Duke.

Alberto Maccan was born on 17 December 1993 at Portobuffolè, Italy. He descends from an Italian industrialist family. Alberto Maccan is the son of Stefano Giovanni Maccan, a Managing Director of Friul Intagli Industries S.P.A., and is the grandson of Inaco Maccan, President of Friul Intagli Industries S.P.A. Friul Intagli Industries S.P.A. is an Italian multinational company founded in 1968 by Inaco Maccan. According to Bloomberg, "Friul Intagli Industries S.P.A. manufactures wooden products. The Company provides furniture sink, room furniture, desks, tables, and other furniture products. Friul Intagli Industries serves customers internationally." Headquartered in Pordenone, Friul Intagli Industries had an annual revenue of $656.72 million (USD) and employed 1,537 individuals in 2018 per Dun & Bradstreet.

Raised in Italy, Alberto Maccan moved to London, where he reportedly studied architecture at the Architectural Association School of Architecture and then business at Regents University.

Maccan's Usurpation of the Surname of the Russian Imperial Family and Its Relatives

Mr. Maccan has pursued a career path as a social media influencer. Alberto's Instagram page has 178,000 followers, and his public Facebook page has nearly 5,600 likes. In the past several years, Alberto Maccan became using the name "Carlo Alberto Maccan Romanoff." He gives his surname as "Maccan Romanoff" on his social media profiles as well as on his personal website. There, Mr. Maccan's heavily-falsified biography reads as follows:

Carlo Alberto Maccan Romanoff 

Influencer -Traveller -Socialite and Television personality 

Born and raised in Venice, Italy [Author's note: Mr. Maccan was not born in Venice; he was born at Portobuffolè.], at the age of 18 Carlo Alberto decided to move to London where he graduated, first in Architecture at the Architectural Association and Cass University a then, at the age of 23, he completed a masters degree in International Business and Finance at Regent University. 

With a passion for traveling, luxury and fashion, Carlo Alberto has proven to be able to represent the ideal of many high fashion brands as well as hotels and travel networks. 

Carlo Alberto's Instagram profile boasts 200,000 followers - he has become a travel and fashion influencer in his own right; attracting the attention of fashion icons, fashion houses and luxury hotels around the globe. He made his TV debut in an Italian documentary, and is set to star in a new Italian TV show about influencers. His Style and look has been noticed by many different international brands such as Tony Ward Couture, Dolce and Gabbana, G. Inglese, La Perla and many more. Carlo Alberto has been Brand Ambassador of La Perla, Dior Beauty, Ralph Lauren fragrances, G inglese and many more. Carlo Alberto is often invited to fashion shows in London, Milan, Paris and New York as well as important social events like Amfar, Ferrari, Vogue, GQ just to mention a few, where he was also featured as one of the strongest looks for the Milan Fashion Week 2017 and 2018.

The False Maccan Claim to Imperial Romanov Descent 

Screenshot from "La Tormentata Succession al Trono di Russia" post on L'Associazione legittimista Trono e Altare.

In March 2012, the website of an organisation called l'Associazione legittimista Trono e Altare (The Legitimist Throne and Altar Organisation) created a blog post entitled "LA TORMENTATA SUCCESSIONE AL TRONO DI RUSSIA" ("The Tormented Succession to the Throne of Russia). Within this post about the Russian Imperial House, incorrect information was given pertaining to the Nikolaevich branch of the imperial family, which descends from Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich of Russia (1831-1891) and his wife Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna (1838-1900; née Duchess of Oldenburg). The webpage falsely included the following persons as descendants of the Imperial House of Russia and members of the Romanov family: "Prince Inaco Maccanovič Romanov (born in 1950) of the Marchesi Maccan in Italy, son of the Prince Primo Maccanovič Romanov; Prince Stefano Giovanni Maccanovič Romanov (born in 1971; son of Inaco); Prince Alberto Maccan(ovič Romanov) (born in 1993; son of Stefano Giovanni); and Prince Alexander Maccanovič Romanov (born in 1977; son of Inaco)." To be clear, there is no branch of the Romanov family, whether dynastic or morganatic, who bears or ever has borne the surname Maccanovič Romanov. Furthermore, there were never any descendants of Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich and Grand Duchess Alexandra Petrovna of Russia who married into a family by the name of "Maccanovič" or "Maccan." Finally, the Maccan family does not belong to the Italian nobility; this can be easily verified by checking the Elenco Ufficiale della Nobilità Italiana, the Libro d'Oro della Nobilità Italiana, and the Annuario della Nobilità Italiana. The claims of Mr. Maccan to descend from the Romanoff family are totally false as are his claims to descend from an Italian noble family. The Italian police are currently investigating all of the aforementioned incorrect information shown on the website of l'Associazione legittimista Trono e Altare, as it a felony to disclose and disseminate false information to the public.

The Response of the Imperial House of Russia

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As is well known, the Imperial House of Russia consists of only two persons: Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia and His Imperial Highness Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia. Born in 1953, Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna is the Head of the Imperial House of Russia. The grand duchess was the only child of the late Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich of Russia (1917-1992; Head of the Imperial House from 1938-1992) and his wife Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna (1914-2010; née Princess Bagration-Moukhransky). Born in 1981, Grand Duke George Mikhailovich is the only child of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia and her former husband Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich (b.1943; né Prince of Prussia).

Statement from the Chancellery of the Head of the Imperial House of Russia (9 June 2020)

Statement from the Chancellery of the Head of the Russian Imperial House (9 June 2020)

On 9 June 2020 in Moscow, the Director of the Chancellery of the Head of the Imperial House of Russia, Dr. Alexander N. Zakatov, issued a statement to clarify the activities of Mr. Maccan and the inappropriate usage of the Romanov surname. The statement reads as follows:

In response to the large number of inquiries from Russian citizens and foreign friends of Russia regarding the activities and statements by the Italian designer [Author's note: Mr. Maccan is not a designer; he is a social media influencer.] Carlo Alberto Maccan claiming the right to use the surname Romanov and the historical titles of the Russian Imperial House of Romanov, the Chancellery of the Head of the Imperial House of Russia wishes to make it known that: 

1) Mr. Carlo Alberto Maccan, who calls himself “Maccan-Romanoff,” and who uses the title “His Imperial Highness Prince Carlo Alberto Maccanovic Romanov-Holstein-Gottorp,” is in fact not a descendant of the Romanov family. No female members of the Imperial House of Romanov ever married anyone from the Maccan or “Maccanovich” family. Nor did any Romanov descendants—legitimate or illegitimate—ever marry into the Maccan (or “Maccanovich”) family. Therefore, Mr. Carlo Albert Maccan does not have the right to use the surname Romanov under Russian imperial law nor the historical titles associated with it, and, moreover, his use of the name and titles infringes the rights of the actual members of this historical Russian family—both the members of the Imperial House of Russia and their relatives who descend from morganatic marriages. 2) The improper use of the surname Romanov (Romanoff) and related titles violates the norms of Russian imperial law and is misleading. 3) At the present time, the Imperial House of Russia consists of only two persons: the Head of the Imperial House of Russia, Her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, and her son and heir, His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke George of Russia. These sole members of the Imperial House use the surname and titles by right of inheritance, in accordance with the dynastic house law of Emperor Paul I, issued on 5/18 April 1797. Their dynastic status and titles have been recognized by the government of the Russian Federation and other countries, and by the Russian Orthodox Church and other religious denominations. They have also been repeatedly confirmed in academic publications written by prominent scholars in the fields of history and genealogy. 4) The Chancellery of the Head of the Imperial House of Russia, which is a registered non-profit organization in the Russian Federation and which represents the Imperial House of Russia in its relations with government agencies, the Orthodox Church and other religious groups, and with public and civil organizations, has the duty to inform the public of any people who use the name and titles of the Imperial House without right, including Mr. Maccan, and to defend always and vigorously the honour, dignity, and good name of the Russian Imperial House of Romanov.

Alexander N. Zakatov

Director of the Chancellery

Dr. Alexander Nikolaevich Zakatov has served as the Director of the Chancellery of the Head of the Russian Imperial House since 2003. 

The Reaction of the Russian Nobility Assembly

Statement from the Russian Nobility Assembly (10 June 2020)

On 10 June 2020, the Russian Nobility Assembly, which is based in Moscow, released a statement on the "Clarification regarding claims by false pretenders of the Russian Imperial House of Romanoff." The communiqué reads as follows:

To Whom it may concern, 

The Council of The Russian Nobility Assembly, on behalf of its members, would like to clarify that the only current members of The Russian Imperial Family of Romanoff are T.I.Hs The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia and The Grand Duke George of Russia. 

With displeasure, it is being noted that a certain “Mr Alberto” is pretending to be part of the Romanoff Imperial Family and this baseless and unproven allegation is being publicised on Social media, printed media and radio/tv broadcasts. Such fraudulent claims by “Mr Alberto” are without doubt, made to gain public respect and popularity but can create confusion and is undoubtedly disrespectful to the real members of the Imperial Family and to the outstanding history of the Romanoff dynasty moreover, it damages the good standing reputation of our Assembly. 

Without prejudice, these false claims made by the above mentioned individual and the media houses that are promoting them are being considered fraudulent in nature and possibly a criminal offence and/or in breach of copyright law since the Romanoff dynasty is a “tradename” which traditionally and legally belongs to the real family members of the said Imperial family. 

The Russian Nobility Assembly is legally registered and has worldwide over 18,000 members, who recognise only T.I.Hs The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia and The Grand Duke George of Russia as the sole members of the Imperial Family of Romanoff. This recognition is internationally acknowledged and endorsed by several governmental institutions and Royal Houses. T.I.Hs effect official trips to foreign countries as well as take part to Government events and public ceremonies in virtue of the fact that they represent the history of Russia and the world.  

Whilst hoping that the proper authorities will intervene in this matter and “Mr Alberto” will desist from these false allegations, please do not hesitate from contacting the undersigned should you require further clarifications. 

Oleg V. Scherbachev

Marshal of the Russian Nobility Assembly 

Alexander Yu. Korolev-Pereleshin

First Vice-Marshal of the Russian Nobility Assembly

Executive Secretary of the Council of The Russia's United Nobility

The Russian Nobility Assembly is a corporate public organisation bringing together individuals belonging to the Russian Nobility and registered with the Russian Ministry of Justice. The objective of the Assembly is to contribute to the restoration of Russia as a great power, to the formation of social consciousness based on traditional spiritual values, to the promotion of civic principles and high morality. The Assembly unites more than seventy regional branches and offices, including fifty provincial Assemblies on the territory of the present-day Russian Federation, plus regional Nobility Assemblies established in the areas that historically belonged to the Russian Empire and other foreign countries. Oleg V. Sherbachev is the Marshal of the Assembly since 2014.

The Repudiation of Maccan's Claims by the Russian Genealogical Federation

On 13 January 2020, Dr. Stanislav Vladimirovich Dumin, the President of the Russian Genealogical Federation, issued a statement on the situation concerning Mr. Maccan and his improper and potentially illegal use of the Romanoff surname and coat of arms.

The manufactured coat of arms improperly used by Mr. Alberto Maccan.

The full text of the statement from the Russian Genealogical Federation appears below:

Concerning the Claims of Carlo Alberto Maccan to the Surname Romanoff and Related Historical Titles 

In response to the claims by the Italian designer [Author's note: Mr. Maccan is not a designer, but a social media influencer.] Carlo Alberto Maccan, who has been using the surname "Maccan-Romanoff" and the title "His Imperial Highness Prince Carlo Alberto Maccanovic Romanov-Holstein-Gottorp," and who has claimed to be a descendant of the Romanov dynasty (the Imperial House of Russia), I wish to make the following known: 

Carlo Alberto Maccan has frequently stated publicly that he descends from the House of Romanoff through the female line, and that his director ancestor, Maccan (or Maccanovich) had married a Romanoff grand duchess. He has repeated his claims on the Internet and in interviews on television, some of which have been posted online. Carlo Alberto Maccan links himself to the family tree of the Romanoffs through a daughter of Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich (the son of Emperor Nicholas I) who supposedly married his ancestor, Maccan. This grand duchess never existed. 

These claims have been depicted in the so-called "unified arms of the Maccan-Romanoff family," which displays a dimidiated shield with the Imperial double-headed eagle on the left side - usurping for his own use the heraldic heritage of the Russian Imperial dynasty. A different coat of arms that has been used by Carlo Alberto Maccan, and which was prepared by a Russian heraldic artist, also usurps Romanoff heraldic symbols. This second coat of arms replaces the double-headed eagle with the impaled familial coat of arms of the Romanoff family - a black border with lion heads around the Romanov red griffin. 

The genealogy of the Romanoffs has been thoroughly studied, and its full membership, including newly born infants, were up until 1917 annually published in many official reference books and directories of the Russian Empire and in European genealogical registers, such as, for example, the Almanach de Gotha. Romanoff genealogical data have been reproduced in many modern Russian and foreign genealogical reference books. One can therefore affirm with absolute certainty that no female member of the House of Romanoff ever married someone from the Maccan family. Nor, furthermore, did even any illegitimate offspring of the Romanoffs ever marry into the Maccan family. The descriptive inventories and archival collections of the Department of Heraldry of the Governing Senate definitely establish that no noble family by the name of Maccanov (Makkanov), Maccanovich (Makkanovich) or Macanovich (Makanovich) ever existed in the Russian Empire before 1917. 

Therefore, Mr. Carlo Alberto Maccan is using a historical surname and titles to which he has not the slighted right, and is thereby violating the rights of the genuine members of this historical Russian family: both members of the Russian Imperial House itself, and Romanoff relatives who descend from non-dynastic marriages. 

Stanislav V. Dumin

President of the Russian Genealogical Federation,

Academician and General Secretary of the International Genealogical Academy (Académie Internationale de Généalogie), and

Corresponding Member of the Italian Institute of Heraldry and Genealogy (socio corripondente dell'Instituto Araldico Genealogico Italiano)

Dr. Stanislav Vladimirovich Dumin is a Russian historian, genealogist, and social activist. He is the President of the Russian Genealogical Federation. The Russian Genealogical Federation is a governmental institution that reports directly to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin.

The Heir to the Imperial House of Russia Seeks to Uphold His Family's Heritage

H.I.H. Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia

After studying at Oxford, Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia began his career at the European Parliament, where he went on to work in the Cabinet of the Vice President of the European Commission, Loyola de Palacio. The grand duke then worked in Euroatom in Luxembourg before he joined the Russian company Norilsk Nickel, where he was appointed Director for Norilsk Nickel Europe Ltd. before becoming C.E.O.  of N.N. Metal Trade Overseas. After departing this position, Grand Duke George of Russia founded his own lobby and communications company, Romanoff and Partners, in Brussels. Its aim is to develop and strengthen ties between the European Union and Russia. In 2013, on the 400th anniversary of the accession of the House of Romanov, Grand Duke George established the Russian Imperial Foundation, which is a charitable organisation dedicated to medical research, ecological problems, and fundraising to solve emergency issues.

The Legal Issues at Stake in this Case

Screenshot from Mr. Maccan's Instagram exhibiting a paid promotion he received from Polo Ralph Lauren. 

Screenshot from Mr. Maccan's Instagram exhibiting a paid promotion he received from Palazzina Grassi.

Mr. Maccan has utilised the Romanoff surname in his capacity as a model for several well-known international brands, such as Polo Ralph Lauren. A paid partnership on Instagram occurs when an influencer or brand advocate shares a post or story on the platform and tags in a business account as a Business Partner. This sort of activity, such as employed by Mr. Maccan, can result in increased attention to his social media accounts by followers of brands with whom he has partnered. By using the Romanoff surname, Mr. Maccan has purposefully misled his nearly 180 thousand followers as well as other individuals into believing that he is a member of the Russian imperial family engaged in certain corporate activities. This is deliberate misrepresentation on his part, as he has no connection with the Russian Imperial House or the extended Romanoff family whatsoever.

Screenshot from Mr. Maccan's Instagram account showing his attendance at a Russian debutantes' ball in London under the guise of being a Romanoff.

Mr. Maccan appears on Enjoy! hosted by Peter Gomez, during which time Mr. Maccan spoke about his "royal" lifestyle.

On several occasions, Mr. Maccan has attended events where he has presented himself as a Romanoff. One such instance of this was his presence at the Third Russian Debutante Ball at London in November 2015. Mr. Maccan has made numerous appearances in the print media and on television where he has paraded himself as the only Romanoff currently living. An example of this was when Italian TV host Peter Gomez allowed Mr. Maccan to come on Gomez's show, Enjoy!, so that Mr. Maccan could speak about his "imperial" title and his "jet-set" lifestyle. Mr. Maccan also made an appearance on Romanian television channel Antena 1, where he presented his false claims. The behaviour of Alberto Maccan has been harmful to the reputation of the members of the Imperial House of Russia and the morganatic members of the extended Romanoff family, in that it seeks to tarnish the character of their ancestors as well as to belittle the current activities of the Imperial House.

H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia, Head of the Imperial House, and H.I.H. Grand Duke George Mikhailovich, the Heir. Photograph courtesy of the Chancellery of the Imperial House. 

Mr. Maccan's decision to adopt the Romanoff surname, and to, in certain instances, imply that he bears a Russian imperial and/or noble title based on a non-existent descent from the Russian Imperial family, could cause harm to the charitable endeavours of actual members of the Romanoff family, whether these be dynastic members of the Imperial House or family members who descend from morganatic marriages. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna and Grand Duke George Mikhailovich are the sole members of the Russian Imperial House. In their positions, the grand duchess and grand duke carry out official duties and engagements within Russia in addition to supporting charitable organisations and endeavours both in Russia and abroad. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna is recognised as the Head of the Russian Imperial House by the Russian government and by the Russian Orthodox Church. The legal complaint against Alberto Maccan has been lodged with the prosecutor's office at Treviso, where Mr. Maccan is domiciled. "Several times in the past, lawyers for the Russian imperial family have asked Mr. Maccan to remove the surname Romanoff from the websites he uses to promote himself," explains lawyer Alessandro Verga Ruffoni, who represents Grand Duke George Mikhailovich in this matter. _________________________________________________________________________________ Note: I wish to thank the Chancellery of H.I.H. Grand Duke George Mikhailovich of Russia for their kind assistance during my research for this article.