Alexandra Hamilton

Alexandra Hamilton

Duchess of Abercorn
Date of Birth: 27.02.1946
Country: USA

Biography of Alexandra Hamilton

Family Connections

Alexandra Anastasia Hamilton, also known as Sasha to her friends, is the Duchess of Abercorn and a descendant of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin. Her family tree can be traced back to Natalia, the youngest daughter of the great Russian poet. In 1868, Natalia married German Prince Nikolai Wilhelm of Nassau. Due to her non-royal bloodline, Natalia was given the morganatic title of Countess von Merenberg. As a result, her children also held the title of von Merenberg. It is interesting to note that the practice of morganatic marriages, which was common throughout history, can still be seen in modern times, such as the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton.
The daughter of Natalia and Prince Nikolai Wilhelm, Countess Sophia von Merenberg, married Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich Romanov, the grandson of Tsar Nicholas I and the brother of Tsar Nicholas II. This marriage brought together the branches of the Pushkin, Romanov, and Windsor families, making Alexandra's family tree a convergence of illustrious lineages.
Escape from Russia

Sophia and Michael's marriage was also morganatic, leading to the creation of the de Torby title by Grand Duke Adolphe I of Luxembourg for Sophia and her children. Sophia and Michael were exiled from Russia due to their marriage, with Tsar Nicholas I refusing to recognize their union. They eventually settled in England. It is ironic that descendants of Alexander Pushkin and the tsar's family would marry each other and become relatives after their deaths.
Life and Contributions

Alexandra Anastasia married Sir James Hamilton, the 5th Duke of Abercorn, in 1966 and became the Duchess of Abercorn. They have three children: James Hamilton, Marquess of Hamilton (godson of Prince Charles), Lady Sophia Hamilton, and Lord Nicholas Hamilton. Alexandra has dedicated her life to preserving her family's heritage through her work with children. She established the Pushkin Prize for young writers in Ireland 25 years ago, and her aunt initiated a similar project in Scotland.
The main objective of her work is to help primary school children (aged 9-10) improve their academic knowledge and develop social skills through literature. This program aims to bridge the gap between Catholics and Protestants, an important issue in Ireland. Schools from both the north and south of the country collaborate on various projects, all centered around expressing their roots, their homeland, and themselves through their own poetry and prose. Alexandra believes that Pushkin's spirit continues to have a significant impact on people's lives and that he is still a relevant figure in world literature.
Discovering Russian Heritage

Alexandra first learned about her relation to Alexander Pushkin through her grandmother, with whom she was very close. At first, she did not pay much attention to the stories, but when she started reading Pushkin's poetry, she was captivated. Her family's escape from Russia was not a dramatic escape, but rather a result of their morganatic marriage. Alexandra's parents settled in Baden-Baden when the revolution began, and they were supported by King George V of England, who helped them find a home. Alexandra's grandmother, Anastasia Mikhailovna de Torby, married Sir Julius Wernher, a diamond magnate from South Africa, whose fortune helped save the family.
A Love for Russia

Alexandra has a deep love for Russian culture and arts. She co-founded the Anglo-Russian Society to support the Mariinsky Theatre and has a great appreciation for Russian ballet, opera, and painting. She feels a strong connection to the Russian soul and is drawn to the country's vast landscapes and contrasting emotions, much like the Russian character itself.
Continuing the Legacy

Alexandra's son Nicholas and his wife Tatiana are both artists who work in various mediums, including photography, painting, sculpture, and embroidery. They recently moved back to the UK from the United States and have plans to establish a cooperative for artists in the historic Belle Isle Castle in Northern Ireland. The castle, located on an island, will serve as a creative hub and provide a serene environment for artists to focus on their work. Alexandra is confident that Russian will return to their family through their daughter, Valentina, who is being raised bilingually by Tatiana.

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