OLDENBURG (Duke Peter Alexandrovich, 1868-1924, First Husband of Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna of Russia, Nicholas II’s younger sister)

Autograph Letter Signed in French with translation to an unnamed correspondent regretting “that I must forgo the pleasure of playing our promised round of golf with You on Friday morning. Hoping very much that I will be able to take part another time, I ask You, Madam, to accept the assurance of my highest consideration...”, 2 sides 8vo., on paper with a crested monogram at the head, Biarritz, Wednesday, no date

He was the only child of Duke Alexander Petrovich of Oldenburg (1844–1932) and Princess Eugenia Maximilianovna of Leuchtenberg (1845–1925). His mother was a granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia through Nicholas's daughter, Grand Duchess Maria Nikolayevna, and his father was a great-grandson of Tsar Paul I of Russia through his paternal grandmother Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna. He was known by the name of "Petya". In 1900, he began to escort the 18-year-old Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna (1882–1960), the youngest daughter of the late Tsar Alexander III and younger sister to the reigning Tsar Nicholas II, to the theatre and opera. They married in 1901 but the marriage was unconsummated and Oldenburg was believed by family and friends to be homosexual. Two years after their marriage, Olga met a cavalry officer her own age, Nikolai Kulikovsky, member of Russian-Moldavian Kulikovsky noble family, to whom she was attracted. She confronted Oldenburg and asked for a divorce, which he refused, however, Oldenburg appointed Kulikovsky as an aide-de-camp, and allowed him to live in the same residence as Oldenburg and the Grand Duchess. Their marriage was annulled on 16th October 1916. Olga married Kulikovsky the following month. After the Russian Revolution, Oldenburg and his mother managed to escape Russia, and settled in France.
Transcription
His Highness Prince Pierre of Oldenburg. Madame, C’est avec le plus grand regret que je dois me priver du plaisir de jouer avec Vous vendredi matin la partie de golf promise. En espérant beaucoup qu’une autre fois je serai de la partie, je Vous prie Madame d’agréer l’assurance de ma haute considération. Prince Pierre of Oldenburg. Biarritz. ce mercredi
Translation
His Highness Prince Pierre of Oldenburg Madam, It is with the greatest regret that I must forgo the pleasure of playing our promised round of golf with You on Friday morning. Hoping very much that I will be able to take part another time, I ask You, Madam, to accept the assurance of my highest consideration. Prince Pierre of Oldenburg. Biarritz, this Wednesday

Item Date:  0

Stock No:  43642      £175

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