Alexandra Feodorovna

Full Name: Charlotte of Prussia
Profession: Empress of Russia

Biography: Alexandra Feodorovna was born Princess Charlotte, the daughter of the Prussian King, Frederick William III of Prussia. Her early life was profoundly shaped by the Napoleonic Wars.

In 1814, arrangements were made for Charlotte to marry Grand Duke Nicholas Pavlovich, the future Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. She moved to Russia in 1817, converted to Russian Orthodoxy, and took the name Alexandra Feodorovna. She then married Nicholas on her 19th birthday in 1817.

As a Grand Duchess, Alexandra struggled at times in adapting to her new life in Russia. She was favored, however, by her mother-in-law, Maria Feodorovna, and in 1818 she gave birth to the future Tsar Alexander II.

Alexandra became the Empress of Russia when her husband became Tsar Nicholas I in 1825. His reign began with the Decembrist Revolt. As Empress, Alexandra was devoted to her family but had little involvement in politics or charity beyond her ties to Prussia.

Throughout her life, Alexandra suffered from poor health, including a nervous condition that caused shaking. After the death of Nicholas I in 1855, she lived as the Dowager Empress but often spent winters abroad for her health.

Born: July 13, 1798
Birthplace: Berlin, Prussia, Holy Roman Empire
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: November 1, 1860 (aged 62)