Olga Paley Morganatic wife of the younger uncle of the Sovereign Emperor Nicholas II, Grand Duke Pavel Alexandrovich Romanov Date of Birth: 14.12.1865 Country: Russia

1. Biography of Olga Paley
2. Early Life
3. Marriage and Social Life
4. Love and Scandal
5. Family Disapproval
6. Later Years

Biography of Olga Paley

Olga Valerievna Paley, born Karnovich, was the morganatic wife of Grand Duke Pavel Alexandrovich Romanov, the younger uncle of Emperor Nicholas II. She was known for her beauty and charm, and had a significant presence in the Russian aristocracy.

Early Life

Olga Valerievna Paley, also known as "Lelya," was born to Valerian Gavrilovich Karnovich and Olga Vasilyevna Messarosh. She was a lively and intelligent girl, excelling in her studies and showing a talent for music and poetry. Despite her young age, she displayed remarkable kindness and tact, endearing herself to both her peers and older individuals.

Marriage and Social Life

At a young age, Olga Valerievna married Lieutenant Gerhard Erich von Pistolkors of the Cavalry Guards. Together, they had three children - a son and two daughters. Olga quickly became a respected figure in high society, hosting receptions and making visits with ease. Her charm and grace attracted many admirers, including Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich, the fearsome commander of the imperial guard.

Their acquaintance brought Olga Valerievna even more prestige and reputation, as she frequently entertained the grand duke and his guests. The relationship between Olga and Grand Duke Vladimir became the subject of gossip, although the grand duke's wife, Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, was oblivious to their affair. Despite the scandalous nature of their relationship, Olga managed to keep their correspondence a secret, sending passionate love letters that went unnoticed by Maria Pavlovna.

Love and Scandal

The love affair between Olga Valerievna and Grand Duke Vladimir intensified, and they shared many passionate moments together. Olga's fervent devotion to Vladimir allowed her to overlook the consequences of their actions. However, their relationship remained hidden from the rest of the Romanov family, and they maintained their secret love affair.

Their relationship resulted in the birth of a son, Vladimir, and two daughters, Irina and Natalia. Only in 1901, with the help of influential individuals such as Minister Shcheglovitinov and Count Golovin, was Olga able to obtain her freedom and change her last name to Paley. From then on, they appeared as a united family, and Olga's beauty and elegance shone even brighter, adorned with the Romanov family's precious jewels.

Family Disapproval

However, their happiness was short-lived, as the Romanov family disapproved of their relationship. Olga's children from her previous marriage, Dmitry and Maria, were placed under the guardianship of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna and her husband, Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich. Olga's presence in their lives diminished, and she was no longer welcome in their home. Despite the family's disapproval, Olga remained devoted to Vladimir and continued to be his source of comfort and love.

Later Years

As time went on, Olga Valerievna's relationship with Vladimir faced increasing challenges. The Romanov family's disapproval and the changing dynamics within the family took a toll on their love affair. However, Olga's devotion to Vladimir never wavered, and she continued to stand by his side until his death in 1909.

After Vladimir's passing, Olga Valerievna led a more private life. She focused on raising her children and maintaining a dignified presence in society. Her beauty and elegance remained legendary, and she was always welcomed in high society circles.

Olga Valerievna Paley's life was filled with passion, scandal, and devotion. She managed to carve a place for herself in the Romanov family, capturing the hearts of those around her. Despite the challenges she faced, Olga's love for Vladimir and her unwavering loyalty made her an unforgettable figure in Russian history.