Rumor has it: Kirill to marry divorced Grand Duchess

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 May 19, 1904

Once again there are unofficial reports that Grand Duke Kirill of Russia is to marry the divorced Grand Duchess Victoria Melita of Hesse and by Rhine, reports the New York Times.

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It is now being said that the Russian Emperor Nicholas II, who "hitherto has opposed the alliance," has now given his permission because of Kirill's "narrow escape from death" at the time of the sinking of Petropavlovsk, a Russian battleship off Port Arthur.

The Grand Duke and Nicholas II are first cousins, as their fathers were brothers.   Princess Victoria Melita is their first cousin, as well, as her mother, Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna is the only daughter of Alexander II, and sister to the late Alexander III and Grand Duke Vladimir,  Kirill's father.

Victoria Melita's former husband, Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, is the older brother of Empress Alexandra.    All three are grandchildren of Queen Victoria.