An official congratulatory note to Prince V. O. Lopukhin, Head of the Directorate for Interregional Affairs of H.I.H’s Chancellery and Chief Coordinator for Imperial Visits to Russia, on the occasion of his 50-th birthday

The Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, congratulated Prince V. O. Lopukhin, Head of the Directorate for Interregional Affairs of H.I.H.’s Chancellery and Chief Coordinator for Imperial Visits to Russia, on the occasion of his 50-th birthday.

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House

Madrid, 10 March 2005

To Prince V. O. Lopukhin
Head of the Directorate for Interregional Affairs
Of Our Chancellery

Dear Prince Vadim Olegovich!

I send my heartfelt congratulations to You on the occasion of Your 50-th birthday.

For many years, You have unstintingly preserved and furthered the best traditions of your glorious and ancient family of Lopukhins, being an example of faithful and tireless service to the Fatherland and to our House. From the first time we traveled to the Motherland, You were and have remained our true helper. Thanks to Your strengths and talents as an organizer, we had the opportunity to visit most of the regions of Russia—from the capitals to the most remote corners of the country. I have especially valued the way You always strive, in accordance with our will and heartfelt wishes, to facilitate in every possible way meetings with our countrymen during our trips.

In You, our Dynasty has a dependable friend and servant. The enormous duty that God has thrust upon us would be vastly more onerous if we did not have people blessed with such remarkable talents, as You are.

May the Lord grant you health, spiritual and bodily strength, and wisdom, and may He grant You His almighty help in all your labors.

Yours, always,

Maria

The original is signed in Her Imperial Highness’s own hand.