Alexei Nikolaevich

ALEXEI NIKOLAEVICH was the heir Tsesarevich and Grand Duke, the only son of Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. He was born at Peterhof on 30 July (12 August) 1904 and was heir to the Russian throne from birth. At his baptism he received the highest Russian orders traditionally bestowed on grand dukes. Alexei had haemophilia, which meant that even minor injuries could cause severe bleeding. From the age of seven he was educated privately; his mother directed his studies and his tutors included Pierre Gilliard and Charles Gibbs. From 1915 he accompanied Nicholas II on visits to the active army and spent extended periods at the Supreme Commander's Headquarters in Mogilev. After Nicholas II's abdication on 2 (15) March 1917, Alexei ceased to be heir to the throne. He was held with his family under arrest at Tsarskoye Selo and later at Tobolsk, and in May 1918 was taken to Yekaterinburg. On the night of 16–17 July 1918 Alexei was executed at the Ipatiev House together with his parents, sisters, and members of their household. In 2000 the Russian Orthodox Church canonised Tsarevich Alexei as a passion-bearer.