The Head of the House of Romanoff offers her condolences to the family of the former President of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze

From the Head of the Russian Imperial House to Paata Shevardnadze

Dear Paata Eduardovich,

It was with great sorrow that I received the news of the passing of your father, Eduard Shevardnadze.

A wise and experienced statesman on the global stage who held numerous important high government posts, Eduward Shevardnadze sought always to serve the interests of his Fatherland. His name will live forever in the history of Russia and Georgia, as will his sincere efforts to maintain the brotherly relations between them.

While President of Georgia, your father played a significant and historic role in the reburial ceremonies of my grandfather and grandmother—the Head of the Royal House of Georgia, H.R.H. Prince George Alexandrovich, and H.R.H. Princess Elena Sigizmundovna—in the royal mausoleum in Mtskheta. I will never forget the traditional Georgian hospitality he showed us during our visit to Georgia.

I and my son and heir, Grand Duke George of Russia, extend to you and your sister Manana, to Eduard Shevardnadze’s grandchildren Sofiko, Mariam, Nanuli, and Lasha, and to all your father’s relatives and friends our deepest condolences.

We pray that the Lord will grant repose to the soul of his servant Eduard-George in the abode of the righteous.

I remain ever yours affectionately,

H.I.H. The Grand Duchess Maria of Russia

Madrid July 7, 2014