History Extra Podcast: "The Princess Who Fled Romanov Russia"

Episode Overview

• Title: The Princess Who Fled Romanov Russia
• Host: Danny Bird
• Guest: Historian Helen Rapoport
• Release Date: February 17, 2025
• Description: In this episode, Helen Rapoport delves deep into the life of Princess Juliane of Saxe-Coburg Saalfeld, a lesser-known figure whose tumultuous marriage to a Russian Grand Duke led her to defy societal norms and flee Imperial Russia. Through extensive research, Rapoport unveils Juliane's struggle for autonomy against the backdrop of early 19th-century European geopolitics.

1. Introduction to Princess Juliane

[02:36] Danny Bird:
"What drew you to the story of Princess Julian of Saxe Coburg?"

[02:41] Helen Rapoport:
"She was actually quite a difficult subject to find because she's so lost to history... Julie had a very auspicious marriage way back in 1796 to a Russian grand duke who was the brother of Alexander I. But she'd been completely overlooked."

Helen Rapoport introduces Princess Juliane, highlighting her obscurity despite her significant dynastic marriage. Juliane's union with Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich positioned her within the Romanov family, yet her story remained largely untold until Rapoport's research.

2. The Saxe-Coburg Saalfeld Family Dynamics

[04:06] Helen Rapoport:
"What distinguished them was their very ambitious mother... Auguste of Saxe Coburg Saalfeld... marital strategies to secure financial stability by marrying off her children to the best bidders."

Rapoport emphasizes the strategic marital alliances orchestrated by Juliane's mother, Auguste, to elevate the family's standing and financial status. This ambition set the stage for Juliane's marriage into the Russian aristocracy.

3. The Royal Matchmaking Process

[04:06 - 07:48] Helen Rapoport:
Describes the process by which Catherine the Great sought a suitable bride for Grand Duke Konstantin Pavlovich. The journey from Coburg to St. Petersburg was arduous, taking 40 days by carriage, marking a significant life upheaval for the 14-year-old Juliane.

4. Life at the Romanov Court

[12:52] Danny Bird:
"How did she find life at the Romanov Court in St. Petersburg and was she embraced by her in-laws?"

[13:01] Helen Rapoport:
"She was incredibly hard-pressed... had to convert to Russian Orthodoxy, undergo complex rituals, and adapt to the harsh climate and isolation at such a young age."

Juliane's transition to Russian life was fraught with challenges. Isolated at 14, she faced cultural and linguistic barriers, compounded by her arranged marriage to a domineering Grand Duke.

5. The Abusive Marriage to Grand Duke Konstantin

[15:12] Helen Rapoport:
"We don't fully know the levels of abuse she suffered... Constantine's cruelty and bad behavior were well-documented, including psychological and physical abuse."

Rapoport sheds light on the severe mistreatment Juliane endured, detailing Konstantin's sadistic tendencies and the lack of personal agency Juliane had within the marriage. Instances include being terrorized with mice as a means of psychological torture.

6. Juliane's Quest for Autonomy

[20:36] Danny Bird:
"How does Julie's quest for autonomy compare to other women in royal and noble families during that era?"

[20:43] Helen Rapoport:
"It's extraordinary how many women dared to run away from a marriage twice in that period... Julie was always very strong-willed."

Juliane's attempts to escape her oppressive marriage were almost unprecedented for her time, showcasing her remarkable bravery and determination to seek personal freedom amidst rigid societal expectations.

7. The Missing Diaries and Lost Correspondence

[23:53] Danny Bird:
"She kept a diary which has gone missing... references in letters to Queen Victoria."

[24:01] Helen Rapoport:
"They agreed to destroy each other's letters... her private papers, there are virtually none. The diary has disappeared, likely destroyed by her brother Leopold."

Rapoport discusses the tragic loss of Juliane's personal writings, which could have provided invaluable insights into her inner thoughts and experiences. The deliberate destruction of correspondence with Louise of Baden and the missing diary significantly hampers a complete understanding of Juliane's life.

8. Connections with Queen Victoria

[26:17] Danny Bird:
"Did Julie's experiences shape Victoria's attitude towards the Russian imperial family?"

[26:33] Helen Rapoport:
"Queen Victoria waxed lyrical about lovely Auntie Julie... had a romanticized view, not fully aware of her tragic story."

While Queen Victoria admired Juliane, her understanding was limited and idealized. Victoria's interactions with Juliane were superficial, preventing her from grasping the full extent of Juliane's struggles within the Russian court.

9. Juliane's Legacy and Historical Significance

[28:47] Danny Bird:
"Lastly, what do you hope readers will take away from this book?"

[28:51] Helen Rapoport:
"I hope they find Julie's story as moving and interesting... the ruthless nature of the European marriage market for aristocratic women."

Rapoport expresses her desire for readers to recognize Juliane's resilience and the oppressive structures of her time. By bringing Juliane's story to light, Rapoport aims to illuminate the often overlooked personal tragedies within historical power dynamics.

10. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Rapoport's reflections on recovering Juliane's story after two decades of research, underscoring the importance of uncovering hidden narratives in history. Her book, The Rebel Romanov, serves as a testament to Juliane's courage and the broader implications of female autonomy in a restrictive aristocratic society.

Notable Quotes:

• Helen Rapoport [03:51]:
  "Waiting for the title... an extraordinary journey for Julie and her sisters."

• Helen Rapoport [15:12]:
  "Constantine's behavior wasn't that of a normal person... verging on the sadistic and certainly extremely brutal."

• Helen Rapoport [26:51]:
  "I found myself saying, oh, for God's sake, Julie, tell me how you're feeling."

Final Thoughts

This episode of the History Extra podcast masterfully uncovers the life of Princess Juliane, a figure overshadowed by the grand narratives of European royalty. Through Helen Rapoport's meticulous research and poignant storytelling, listeners gain a profound appreciation for Juliane's resilience and the intricate web of historical forces that shaped her destiny.

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