Grand Duke Wladimir is dead

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February 17, 1909

Grand Duke Wladimr of Russia died this evening in St.Petersburg. His death was caused by an asthma attack, which was followed by heart failure. He was 61 years old.
The Russian court had just emerged from court mourning over the death of Grand Duke Alexis. Now all events, including carnival, will have to be canceled as the imperial court plunges again into grief and mourning.

The Grand Duke's death came as a complete shock, although he had suffered from asthma for many years. Earlier today, he had been taking tea with members of his household when he was seized by asthmatic spasms and died almost before a priest arrived to administer last rites. His wife, Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna, was was with him when he died, and two of his sons, Boris and Andrei, arrived not long afterward.

Nicholas II, upon learning of the news of the death of his favorite uncle, immediately took a special train to St. Petersburg, and "entered the capital unheralded." He attended a requiem in his uncle's room, which was also attended by the Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna.

Wladimir was "quite popular in St Petersburg, for his hearty manner and disregard for formality making an excellent impression upon those who came in contact with him."

He "mingled freely in the life of St. Petersburg," and was often seen at salons and exhibitions."

Grand Duke Wladimir was born April 10, 1847, and was the second son of Alexander II and Princess Marie of Hesse and By Rhine. He was third in line to the Russian throne after the Tsarevitch and Grand Duke Michael, the Czar's youngest brother.

In 1874, Wladimir married Duchess Marie of Mecklenburg. He is survived by his wife and three sons, Kirill, Boris and Andrei and one daughter, Helen, who is the wife of Prince Nicholas of Greece.