Quotes and stories from Agnes de Stoeckl’s memoir show up everywhere if you study the British and Russian royal families. Let’s see what she has to say for herself, shall we?
Would it be a cliche to bring up Churchill’s famous description of Russia as a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma? Too bad. I’m doing it anyway. The more I learn about Russia, the more I realize I know so little about it. But its history has fascinated me since sixth grade…at least I think that’s when I got my hands on Anastasia by Peter Kurth. I’ve never looked back since.
Irina Yusupova vs. MGM
What does it cost to blur the line between truth and fiction? A lot, as MGM found out. This is the story of a movie and a libel lawsuit – maybe the only one ever won with a murder confession. Its star? Princess Irina Yusupova. Find out what this quiet, soft-spoken woman did that had her lawyer later calling her “an advocate’s dream.”
Secrets of the Gotha: Source Report
A book that promises to give us secrets of the European royal families? I’m in! Find out what juicy tidbits I found…as well as what you won’t find, which surprised me a little. Read more in this post, available exclusively for Patreon supporters.
The Yusupov Black Pearl Necklace
The Yusupov black pearl necklace belonged to Catherine the Great. From there, it’s a tale of incest, true love, revolution, robbery, and infidelity…with a special guest appearance by the HMS Titanic.
The Grand Dukes: Source Report
Chapters on each of the 33 Russian grand dukes! What’s not to enjoy? From Grand Duke Alexei’s American buffalo hunt to Olga Pistolkors’s Gossip Girl-style manipulations, let’s dig in. Read more in this post, available exclusively for Patreon supporters.
The Downfall of Three Dynasties: Source Report
This book has more details on Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna’s flirtation with Prince Alexander of Hesse and by Rhine. What juicy secrets did I learn? Find out in this post, available exclusively for Patreon supporters.
5 Types of Kokoshnik Tiaras
There’s a surprising variety of design possibilities for kokoshnik tiaras. Here are 5 drool-worthy examples and their stories. Let’s take a look at tiaras belonging to Grand Duchess Hilda of Baden, the Duke of Westminster, Queen Alexandra of Great Britain, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna (Ella), and Crown Princess Cecilie of Prussia.

Want more awesome royal history content?
Join my mailing list to get Grand Duchess Louise of Baden's meatloaf recipe, the tragic tale of Princess Mafalda of Savoy, research tips, updates, discoveries, and more! Plus get a free PDF with the stories of four amazing tiaras from Russia, Spain, Italy, and Luxembourg. Click or tap here to sign up now!