imperial-russia: Princess Dagmar of Denmark, who became Tsesarevna of Russia upon her marriage &hel

imperial-russia:

Princess Dagmar of Denmark, who became Tsesarevna of Russia upon her marriage

…with her enormous charm, Princess Dagmar, known as Minnie, and now Maria Fedorovna, acquired great popularity as soon as she moved to Russia. “People saw guarantee of well-being in her, and people placed all their hopes in her, and her radiant eyes lit up hearts, and her simplicity and charm promised happiness and peace […] Every heart flew to the young tsesarevna.” 

She loved to swim, ride horseback, roll a hoop, and dance till four in the morning. Maria Fedorovna seemed to personify eternal youth. Knowing how important it was for her to look good in public, she paid close attention to her wardrobe. Lady-in-waiting von Flotow sent detailed description in letter to the young tsesarevna´s mother. At one Imperial ball Maria Fedorovna “stayed until 3 am and came home as fresh as a morning rose. She was brilliantly dressed again […] this time the tsesarevna was literally a rose of roses!”

Y.V. Plotnikova in Russian Splendor: Sumptuous Fashions of the Russian Court