History Extra podcast The princess who fled Romanov Russia
21 snips
Feb 17, 2025 
Helen Rappaport, historian and author of "The Rebel Romanov," unveils the captivating tale of Princess Juliane of Saxe-Coburg. Born into an age of upheaval, she defied her unhappy marriage at 14 to Grand Duke Konstantin, pursuing freedom against societal norms. Rappaport explores her journey to St. Petersburg, the stigma of her divorce, and the complexities of her life in Switzerland. Additionally, she reveals the intricate connections with Queen Victoria, highlighting the often-ignored stories of women in aristocracy battling oppressive expectations.
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Juliane's Obscurity
- Helen Rappaport discovered Princess Juliane while researching Queen Victoria's family.
- Juliane's story is largely unknown, making her a challenging historical figure to study.
Saxe-Coburg Marriages
- Princess Juliane's family, the Saxe-Coburgs, strategically married off their children for financial gain.
- Their ambitious mother, Auguste, orchestrated these marriages, similar to Queen Victoria's later matchmaking.
Journey to St. Petersburg
- In 1795, Catherine the Great invited Princess Juliane and her sisters to St. Petersburg for a bride inspection for her grandson.
- The journey from Coburg took 40 days by carriage, highlighting the lengths taken for royal matchmaking.
