There’s no disputing this Russian royal visit

By Shaun Inguanzo
THE Soviet era may have spelt the end of the rule of the Russian royal family in the early 20th century.
But that hasn’t stopped Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna from carrying on her family’s legacy.
The daughter of former Grand Duke Vladimir Cyrillovich is this week in Australia to commemorate the contributions of Russian immigrants to the nation.
After a series of formal duties in Melbourne, Her Imperial Highness visited Dandenong’s Russian community, attending the Russian Orthodox Church and later the Russian Welfare Society.
If Russia had the tabloid trash-mags that most Western countries do, then Her Imperial Highness’ story is a tale of intrigue that would surely see her followed by an equivalent of Russian paparazzi.
Upon her father’s death in April, 1922, the path of succession to the throne was a hotly debated item.
His Imperial Highness chose his daughter as the one to take his place, causing greater disturbance among a family he had already labelled ‘raving mad’.
Nicholas Romanov, bearing the surname of the royal family’s legacy, believed he was the rightful successor, and to this day the dispute still rages.