Michael new heir to the Russian throne

July 24, 1899


Nicholas II has issued a new decree that names his younger brother, Grand Duke Michael, as the heir to the Russian throne. Michael replaces his brother, Grand Duke George, as heir to Nicholas.
The Emperor and his wife, Alexandra, have three daughters, and no son. Women can succeed to the Russian throne only after all of the men. Should Michael die before his brother, the next in line of Nicholas' uncle, Grand Duke Wladimir, who has three sons.

The remains of Grand Duke George arrived today in St. Petersburg. A "great solemn gathering of members of the Imperial family and State officials met the the body at the station." Nicholas II and the Grand Dukes carried the coffin to the funeral car and the "imposing procession" made its way to the Fortress of St. Peter and St. Paul.
The body will lie in state for two or three days.