Grand Duchess Vera Konstantinovna of Russia
| Grand Duchess Vera Constantinovna | |
|---|---|
| Grand Duchess of Russia | |
 |
|
| Born |
16 February 1854 Saint Petersburg, Empire of Russia |
| Died | 11 April 1912 (aged 58) Stuttgart, Kingdom of Württemberg, Empire of Germany |
| Spouse | Duke Eugen of Württemberg |
| Issue | Duke Charles Eugen Duchess Elsa Duchess Olga |
| House | Romanov |
| Father | Grand Duke Constantine Nikolaevich of Russia |
| Mother | Princess Alexandra of Saxe-Altenburg |
| Religion |
Lutheran, prev. Eastern Orthodox |
Grand Duchess Vera Constantinovna of Russia (16 February 1854 – 11 April 1912, великая княгиня Вера Константиновна) was a daughter of Grand Duke Konstantine Nicholaievich of Russia. She was a granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I and first cousin of Tsar Alexander III of Russia.
She had a difficult childhood marked by illness and tantrums. In 1863, while his father was Viceroy of Poland, she was given away to be raised by her childless uncle and aunt, King Karl and Queen Olga of Württemberg. Vera's condition improved in their home and she outgrew her disruptive behavior. In 1871 she was legally adopted by Karl and Olga, who arranged her marriage in 1874 to Duke Eugen of Württemberg (1846–1877), a member of the Silesian ducal branch of the family. Her husband died suddenly three years later. Vera, only twenty-three years old, did not remarry, dedicating herself to her twin daughters. At the death of King Karl in 1891, Vera inherited a considerable fortune and she turned her home into a cultural gathering place. She was a popular figure in Württemberg, notable for her charitable work.
Grand Duchess Vera was known in royal circles as an eccentric both in appearance and behavior. Although she kept in touch with her Romanov relatives, visiting Russia many times, she identified more closely with her adopted country. In 1909 she abandoned Orthodox Christianity and converted to Lutheranism. She died two years later after a stroke.
Grand Duchess Vera Constantinovna of Russia was born in St. Petersburg on 16 February 1854, the fourth child and second daughter of the six children of Grand Duke Constantine Nicholaievich of Russia and his wife Grand Duchess Alexandra Iosifovna (born Princess Alexandra of Saxe-Altenburg).
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