Nicholas II
Nicholas II
Emperor [Tsar] of Russia
Menu dated 28th February 1910
(15th February in the Julian Calendar)
Dinner at Alexander Palace, Tsarskoe-Selo, hosted by Their Imperial Majesties Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra of Russia in honour of a visit by His Majesty Tsar Ferdinand I of Bulgaria
The King and Queen of Bulgaria arrived in St. Petersburg two days before this dinner, on 26th February 1910, as guests of the Russian Imperial family. The visiting royals stayed with their Russian hosts for almost a week at Tsarskoe-Selo until 3rd March.
For some time Tsar Nicholas II had invested considerable diplomatic energy in keeping Bulgaria as an ally of Russia and urging its King to resist the friendly overtures coming from Austria-Hungary.
When the Tsar hosted this dinner in honour of his Bulgarian ally, the Austrian government was far from amused by the gushing toasts the two leaders gave to each other.
Indeed The Times corresponded in Vienna reported of this dinner that “the toasts exchanged between the Tsar and King Ferdinand at Tsarskoe-Selo, and particularly the interpretation placed upon them by the Russian Press, are received here with scarcely disguised ill-humour.
The Tsarina and Grand Duchesses (the Tsar's wife and daughters) dance with officers on the deck of the Imperial Yacht, the Standart.
Tsar Nicholas II hosts a regimental luncheon and blessing at his Livadia Palace (Crimea)