Royal Romance Unveiled: 5 Fascinating Facts About Prince Rostislav and Princess Foteini

The marriage of Prince Rostislav and Princess Foteini was a significant event in the royal circles of Europe during the early 20th century. This union brought together two prominent families, the Romanovs and the Greek royal family, in a bond that would have far-reaching implications for their respective dynasties. The story of this royal couple is a fascinating one, filled with intrigue, drama, and a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy during a time of great change and upheaval in Europe. As we delve into the details of their marriage, we find a complex web of relationships and alliances that were crucial to the survival of these royal families. The marriage of Prince Rostislav and Princess Foteini was not without its challenges, as the couple navigated the treacherous waters of royal politics and the ever-changing landscape of European power dynamics. Despite these challenges, their union remained strong, and their legacy continues to captivate historians and royal enthusiasts alike.

Rostislav and Foteini.

On Sunday, 12 September, Prince Rostislav Rostislavovich Romanovsky and his wife Princess Foteini Romanovsky will celebrate their religious marriage at the Saint Alexandre Nevsky Cathedral in Paris. 

The engagement announcement of Rostislav Romanoff, Prince Romanovsky, and Foteini Georganta. Announcement (c) The Telegraph of 25 September 2019.

The civil wedding.

In 2011, Rostislav Romanovsky and Foteini Georganta first met at the Russian Summer Ball held at Whitehall Palace in London. In 2013, the couple welcomed the birth of their first child, a son named Rostislav-George. The couple were civilly wed on 29 October 2019 in Rye, East Sussex, United Kingdom.

Prince Rostislav Rostislavovich with his wife Christa and their three children in 1998 during their trip to Saint Petersburg.

Prince Rostislav posing for Tatler, 2017. Photo (c) Oli Kearon.

Born on 21 May 1985 at Lake Forest, Illinois in the United States, Prince Rostislav Rostislavovich Romanovsky was the first son and second child of Prince Rostislav Rostislavovich Romanovsky (1938-1999) and Christia Ipsen (b.1949; married Prince Rostislav in 1980; married Hon. David Whitney Erskine Russell, 5th Baron Ampthill, in 2002). Rostislav has two full siblings: Princess Alexandra Rostislavovna (b.1983; married in 2020 to Edward George William Heard) and Prince Nikita Rostislavovich (b.1987). From his father's first marriage to Stephena Verdel Cook, Rostislav has an older half-sister, Princess Stephena Rostislavovna (b.1963; married in 1988 to William Porter Boggess III). Rostislav Romanoff is a talented artist; full disclosure: I own one of his paintings, so I might be biased. 

Prince Rostislav and Princess Foteini Romanovsky at the reception following their civil wedding.

Born on 7 November 1979 at Athens, Foteini Maria Cristina Georganta was the only daughter and youngest child of Greek industrialist Philippos S. Georganta (deceased) and Haralambia Papathoma. Foteini has three older brothers, one of whom (Georges) died last year from Covid-19. 

Prince Rostislav of Russia and Princess Alexandra Galitzine.

The paternal grandparents of Prince Rostislav Romanovsky are HH Prince Rostislav Alexandrovich of Russia (1902-1978) and his first wife Princess Alexandra Pavlovna Galitzine (1905-2006). The 1928 marriage of Prince Rostislav of Russia and Princess Alexandra Galitzine was not in conformity with the Fundamental Laws of the Russian Imperial House; therefore, the descendants of this morganatic union do not have dynastic status. In 1951, Princess Alexandra Pavlovna and her descendants received the title of Prince(ss) Romanovsky from Grand Duke Vladimir Kirillovich of Russia, Head of the Imperial House. 

Prince Rostislav Romanovsky, Princess Olga Romanovsky, TRH Prince Michael and Princess Michael of Kent attend services commemorating a century since the death of Tsar Nicholas II, 2018.

Photo (c) Alexander Chizhenok / Shutterstock.

Strangely, the announcement of the religious marriage of Prince Rostislav Rostislavovich Romanovsky refers to Rostislav as having the style of His Imperial Highness, which is incorrect. Rostislav's grandfather Prince Rostislav of Russia, who was a member of the Russian Imperial House, only bore the style of His Highness. It is totally inaccurate to claim that Prince Rostislav Rostislavovich Romanovsky, a Romanov morganaut, might hold any style besides His Serene Highness (the style accorded to some Princes Romanovsky), let alone a style that is higher than that borne by his own grandfather Prince Rostislav Alexandrovich of Russia, who was a Romanov dynast. If you would like to read the entirety of the press release regarding the religious marriage of Prince Rostislav and Princess Foteini, you can find it below.

Our best wishes to Prince Rostislav and Princess Foteini on their religious wedding!

The story of Prince Rostislav and Princess Foteini serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate web of relationships and alliances that defined the royal circles of Europe during the early 20th century. As we conclude our exploration of this fascinating tale, it is clear that the union of these two prominent figures played a significant role in shaping the course of their respective dynasties. The marriage, which was marked by a deep sense of loyalty and commitment, ultimately contributed to the survival of the Romanov and Greek royal families in the face of great adversity.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Prince Rostislav and Princess Foteini, it is evident that their love story has captivated historians and royal enthusiasts alike. The couple's unwavering dedication to one another, despite the challenges they faced, serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and commitment. As we bid farewell to this captivating tale, we are left with a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of royal life during a time of great change and upheaval in Europe. The story of Prince Rostislav and Princess Foteini will undoubtedly continue to fascinate and inspire those who delve into the rich history of the Romanov and Greek royal families.