Greetings of the Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, to the Residents of St. Petersburg and to All Participants of the Celebrations Marking the 300-th Anniversary of the Founding of the City

Dear citizens of St. Petersburg!

Dear participants in the celebrations of the 300-th anniversary of the founding

of the North Capital of Russia! 

I offer to You my heartfelt congratulations on the 300-th Anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg. Built by the sheer will of my great ancestor, Peter I, through the labors of many thousands of people, St. Petersburg was for more than 200 years the capital of our Motherland. The city of St. Petersburg is forever associated with the transformation of Russia from a state tormented by the Time of Troubles and searching for a new path, into a great world power and a member of a community of nations.

After the destruction of Russia’s historical form of government in 1917, the city of Saint Peter, having lost the status of being the nation’s capital city, nonetheless continued to play a key role in the life of the country. In the history of humanity, the city will forever be remembered for the boundless suffering and sacrifice of its residents during the Nazi blockade, how the people never broke under the weight of the power and cruelty of a foreign enemy.

Today, St. Petersburg, which again bears its historic name, remains one of the largest and most important regions in the Fatherland, but also plays a special role as the symbol of the tragic, sometimes contradictory, but always glorious history of the New Russia.

I, my August Mother, Grand Duchess Leonida Georgievna, and my Son and Heir, Grand Duke Georgii Mikhailovich, are with you all in spirit and in our prayers, and We hope to visit the city soon. May the Lord bless you and may your Heavenly Protector, the Holy Apostle Peter, forever be at your side. 

H.I.H. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna

Given in Madrid

20 May 2003