Tsarevich of Russia facts for kids
The title of Tsesarevich of Russia was a very important name given to the person who was expected to become the next ruler (or Emperor) of the Russian Empire. This person was usually the oldest son of the current Emperor. They were also called "Imperial Highness", which was a special way to show their high rank. For a long time, only males could be the Tsesarevich because women were not allowed to become the ruler after Catherine the Great.
What is a Tsesarevich?
It's easy to get confused between "Tsesarevich" and "tsarevich". Here's the difference:
- A Tsesarevich was the *main* heir to the throne. This means they were the person most likely to become the next Emperor. There was usually only one Tsesarevich at a time.
- A tsarevich (with a small 't') was simply any son of a tsar (Emperor). So, while every Tsesarevich was a tsarevich, not every tsarevich was the Tsesarevich.
The Tsesarevich was often called "His Imperial Highness the Successor Tsesarevich and Grand Duke". This long title showed how important they were. The wife of the Tsesarevich was called the Tsesarevna.
Famous Tsesarevich Examples
Here are some people who held the title of Tsesarevich:
- Alexei Nikolaevich was the son of the last Russian Emperor, Nicholas II. He was the Tsesarevich his whole life but sadly never became Emperor. He was murdered in 1917.
- Nicholas II himself was a Tsesarevich before he became Emperor. He held the title from 1868 until his father died in 1894. He was the very last Russian Emperor.
- Alexei Petrovich was the son and heir of Peter the Great. He was expected to rule after his father, but he never did.
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