Condolences from the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, on the Deaths of the Hostages Taken in Moscow

I was deeply shaken by the news of the tragic events in Moscow and of the deaths of the hostages, the victims of international terrorism. I pray for the repose of the souls of all the innocent victims; and on behalf of Our Family, I extend Our deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of those who have perished.

The evil of terrorism, which struck Russia even in the nineteenth century (Russia being among the first nations to feel its effects), has now taken an even more cruel and cynical form. This evil must be decisively and uncompromisingly crushed through the efforts of all well-intentioned peoples, without regard for their religious and national origins or political beliefs. 

(The original is signed in Her Imperial Highness’s own hand:) 

Maria

Issued in St. Briac

26 October 2002 

(Identical to the original:) 

A.N. Zakatov

Personal Secretary of the IMPERIAL family