User:Eritrusia/Natalia Alexandrovna Pushkina

Natalia Alexandrovna Pushkina, Countess of Merenberg (Russian: Ната́лья Алекса́ндровна Пу́шкина; 23 May 1836 – 23 March 1913) was the second daughter of the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin and his wife Natalia Pushkina. In 1868 she married Prince Nikolaus Wilhelm of Nassau and became Countess of Merenberg. Through her daughter, Sophie of Merenberg, Natalia's descendents were born or married into the noble families of Britain, Germany and Russia. Some of her descendents include Nadejda, Marchioness of Milford Haven, David, 3rd Marquess of Milford Haven, Hugh Grosvenor, 7th Duke of Westminster and Countess Anastasia de Torby, the daughter of Grand Duke Michael of Russia, grandson of Nicholas I of Russia.

Childhood


Natalia was born on 23 May (O.S) or 4 June 1836 (N.S) in Saint Petersburg. She was baptised on 27 June in the Church of St. John. When Natalia was eight-months old, her father, the famous poet Alexander Pushkin died in a duel, thus she did not remember him when she grew up. More than her other siblings, Natalia resembled her father the most, looking very similar to him.

Natalia was known for her exceptional beauty. In her youth she was in love with Prince Nikolay Alexeyevich Orlov who reciprocated and wanted to marry Natalia, however this match was not approved by Prince Nikolay's father, who did not consider Natalia a suitable bride for his son.

When Natalia was 17, she was