Sunday, December 31, 2023

Romanov Weddings: Princess Marina Romanov and William Beadleston in 1967

The Romanov family, once the epitome of Russian nobility, has had its share of romantic entanglements over the years. Among these, the marriage of Princess Marina Romanov to William Beadleston in 1967 stands out as a fascinating example of how the aristocratic legacy of the Romanovs continued to unfold in the decades following the Russian Revolution. Princess Marina, born in 1940 to Prince Vassili Alexandrovich of Russia and Princess Natalia Alexandrovna Galitzine, was a direct descendant of Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich of Russia and Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna of Russia. Her husband, William Beadleston, was an art dealer from New York, and their union marked a significant blending of Russian and American cultural influences. This article delves into the details of their wedding and the lives of these two individuals who, despite their different backgrounds, shared a deep connection through their love for each other and their commitment to preserving the Romanov legacy.

On 8 January 1967, Princess Marina Vassilievna Romanov married William Lawrence Beadleston at the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox Church in Menlo Park, California. Mrs Igor Sazevitch was the matron of honour. Katherine Sazevitch was the flower girl; Prince George Golitzin, aged 9 and the bride's first cousin, and Robert Hadow, aged 7 and another relative of the bride, also assisted in the marriage rite. Alfred N Beadleston, the groom's brother, was the best man. The ushers were Prince Andrew Romanov, Igor Sazevitch, Christopher Schroll, Michael Palmquist, Sydney Waud, Yale Kneeland, Richard Hurd, William Acquavella, Lewis Lehrman, James Meeker, Charles Mellon III, and Joseph Hexon. The religious service was sung by Reverend George Benigsen and Prince Alexander Golitzin. The marriage was blessed by Archbishop John Shahovskoy. After the wedding, a reception was hosted by Mr and Mrs Hannes Schroll at their Woodside home. The engagement of William L Beadleston and Princess Marina Romanov had been announced in November 1966. 

Grand Duchess Xenia with her granddaughter Princess Marina.

Born on 22 May 1940 at San Francisco, Princess Marina Romanov was the only child of Prince Vassili Alexandrovich of Russia (1907-1989) and Princess Natalia Alexandrovna Galitzine (1907-1989), who married in 1931. Vassili was the youngest child of Grand Duke Alexander Mikhailovich of Russia and Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna of Russia. Natalia was the daughter of Prince Alexander Vladimirovich Galitzine and Lubov Vladimirovna Glebov. Princess Marina Romanov attended Crystal Springs School and Sarah Lawrence College. She received her teaching credentials from Bank Street College of Education in New York. 

Born on 31 July 1938 at Long Branch, New Jersey, William "Bill" Lawrence Beadleston was the son of Alfred Nash Beadleston (1912-2000), the President of the New Jersey Senate and Mayor of Shrewsbury, and Sylvia Lawrence White (b.1915), who married in 1935. William Beadleston attended the University of Paris and graduated from Yale in 1960. He was an art dealer at Acquavella Galleries in New York. 

After their marriage, Bill and Marina planned to live in New York City.

Marina Romanov

As we conclude our exploration of the fascinating life of Princess Marina Romanov, it is clear that her marriage to William Beadleston in 1967 was a significant event in the Romanov family's history. This union not only marked a blending of Russian and American cultural influences but also highlighted the enduring legacy of the Romanov dynasty. The Romanov family, once the epitome of Russian nobility, has had its share of romantic entanglements over the years, and Princess Marina's marriage to William Beadleston stands out as a testament to the family's ability to adapt and thrive in the face of changing times.

As we reflect on the life of Princess Marina Romanov, it is evident that her marriage to William Beadleston was a union that not only brought joy to the couple but also served as a symbol of the Romanov family's resilience. Despite the challenges that the family faced in the decades following the Russian Revolution, Princess Marina's marriage to William Beadleston marked a new chapter in the family's history. The Romanov family's ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity is a testament to their strength and determination, and Princess Marina's marriage to William Beadleston serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Romanov dynasty. As we close this chapter on Princess Marina's life, we are reminded of the importance of preserving the Romanov legacy and honoring the memories of those who have contributed to its rich history.

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