Alexei Nikolaevich, Tsarevich of Russia

Alexei Nikolaevich was the youngest child and only son of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna. As tsarevich he was heir to the Russian throne, but he suffered from haemophilia, a condition kept largely secret because of its political implications.

His haemophilia shaped the private life of the imperial family and contributed to Alexandra’s dependence on Grigori Rasputin. Alexei Nikolaevich, Tsarevich of Russia also held the offices or ranks of Tsarevich of Russia.

John Boyne’s The House of Special Purpose brings Tsarevich Alexei into the story through the fictional Georgy Jachmenev, who is appointed to the imperial household after an act of courage. Georgy’s proximity to Alexei provides access to Nicholas II, Alexandra, the grand duchesses and Rasputin while the Romanov court moves toward revolution and captivity. Alexei’s vulnerability and position as heir make him part of the intimate family tragedy that the narrator remembers decades after the dynasty’s destruction.