Prince Giorgi Bagrationi-Japaridze died earlier this week. He was a great-great-great-great-great grandson of King Alexander V of Imereti. A 2007 article about the possibility of a monarchical restoration interviewed Giorgi and his mother:
Historian Raul Chagunava, a longtime researcher of the Bagrationi family, believes that the crown by right belongs to Nugzar Bagrationi-Gruzinski, the director of Tbilisi’s Tumanshivili Theater and a patrilineal descendant of Giorgi XII. Nino Bagrationi, the 90-year-old direct descendant of Solomon II told EurasiaNet that she recognizes the claim of Nugzar Bagrationi-Gruzinski. Meanwhile, Georgia’s monarchist party, Royal Crown, favors another ancillary branch. But feelings among those Bagrationis still in Georgia are decidedly mixed about the patriarch’s proposal. Setting up a constitutional monarchy would not solve Georgia’s political woes, noted Giorgi Bagrationi-Jafaridze, a laboratory head, and the son of Nino Bagrationi. The sovereign, he argued, could become a mere puppet in the hands of politicians. "While absolute monarchy is out of the question, the king has to hold control over strategic matters," he commented. When asked about the restoration of Georgia’s monarchy. Nino Bagrationi, a professor of engineering whose features are reminiscent of those of her royal ancestors, smiles calmly and shakes her head "The time is not ripe for this," Bagrationi said. "The country has to grow and develop. Later… perhaps."
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| Princess Nino Bagrationi of Imereti with her grandchildren. |
Born in 1948, Prince Giorgi was the son of Princess Nino Bagrationi (1915-2006), head of the Imereti branch of the Bagrationi family, and her husband Prince Avtandil Djaparidze (d.1959). Giorgi's maternal grandparents were Prince David Bagrationi of Imereti (1894-1937) and Princess Kethevan Machabeli (1892-1981).
May Prince Giorgi Rest in Peace.
As we bid farewell to Prince Giorgi Bagrationi-Japaridze, we are reminded of the rich heritage and legacy he left behind. Born in 1948, he was a great-great-great-great-great grandson of King Alexander V of Imereti, and his life was marked by his involvement in the ongoing debate about the possibility of a monarchical restoration in Georgia. His views on the matter were shaped by his family's royal lineage and his own experiences. In a 2007 interview, he expressed concerns about the potential for a restored monarchy to become a mere puppet in the hands of politicians, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over strategic matters. His mother, Princess Nino Bagrationi, also shared her thoughts on the matter, stating that the time was not ripe for a monarchical restoration, but perhaps it could be considered in the future.
Prince Giorgi's life was a testament to the enduring power of royal heritage, and his legacy will continue to inspire and educate those interested in the history of Georgia's monarchy. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the complexities and challenges that come with restoring a monarchy in a modern society. While some, like Historian Raul Chagunava, believe that the crown by right belongs to Nugzar Bagrationi-Gruzinski, others, like Georgia's monarchist party, Royal Crown, favor another ancillary branch. The debate surrounding the restoration of Georgia's monarchy is ongoing, and it is clear that the path forward is not without its challenges. Nevertheless, the legacy of Prince Giorgi Bagrationi-Japaridze serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring the rich cultural heritage of Georgia's royal family.
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