Zia De Torby The eldest daughter of Grand Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich Date of Birth: 09.09.1892 Country: Great Britain

1. Anastasia Mikhailovna de Torby
2. Royal Lineage and Recognition
3. Wartime Contributions
4. Equestrian Pursuits and Philanthropy
5. Visit to the Soviet Union
6. Later Life and Legacy
7. Luton Hoo and Film Heritage

Anastasia Mikhailovna de Torby

Anastasia Mikhailovna de Torby was the eldest daughter of Grand Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich and Countess Sophie Nikolaevna de Torby (née Merrenberg). She was born in Wiesbaden in 1892 as an illegitimate child, as her parents' marriage was considered morganatic by the Russian court. Anastasia's paternal great-grandfather was Emperor Nicholas I of Russia, and her maternal great-grandfather was the renowned poet Alexander Pushkin. The family later relocated to England.

Royal Lineage and Recognition

On September 1, 1917, King George V granted Anastasia the same status as the daughters of English peers, recognizing her as the eldest daughter of the Countess de Torby and Grand Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich. This granted her the privileges and respect accorded to the British nobility.

Wartime Contributions

During the Second World War, Anastasia's husband's estate, Luton Hoo, served as a headquarters for the British Army. She played a vital role in the "Ambulance Service to the Forces," providing medical aid to soldiers. Her son, Captain George Michael Alexander Werner, was killed in action in 1942. In recognition of her wartime contributions, Anastasia was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1946 and promoted to Officer (OBE) in 1956.

Equestrian Pursuits and Philanthropy

Anastasia and Harold Werner were avid horse enthusiasts and owners of the renowned racehorse, Brown Jack. They supported equestrian events with substantial donations.

Visit to the Soviet Union

In April 1961, Anastasia visited the Soviet Union, paying homage to Pushkin's legacy by visiting the All-Union Museum of A.S. Pushkin, his apartment on the Moika River, and the site of his duel.

Later Life and Legacy

Anastasia Mikhailovna de Torby passed away on December 7, 1977. Throughout her life, she inherited and enriched the collection of Fabergé jewelry created by Carl Peter Fabergé. After her husband's death in 1973, she curated two "Russian Rooms" at Luton Hoo, showcasing artifacts related to Pushkin's life and the Russian royal family. These rooms remain a unique testament to Russian culture in England.

Luton Hoo and Film Heritage

Luton Hoo, acquired by Anastasia's father-in-law, Sir Julius Werner, in 1903, is a grand estate and museum home to a vast collection of artworks, jewelry, and artifacts. The estate was featured in the 1994 film "Four Weddings and a Funeral." Due to financial difficulties, the estate was sold in 1991, and the art collection was subsequently dispersed.