Nicholas and Alexandra's Favorite Children

Nicholas, Alexandra, and OTMA: Presenting the Favorites!

Everyone knows Alexandra's favorite daughter was Tatiana, but who came next? And what about Nicholas? Drawing on primary sources and my own inferences (and alas, guesses), I've compiled a list-well, highly suspicious list.;) Of course, always remember: Alexei was everyone's favorite. Presenting-

Alexandra's Favorites:
1. Tatiana
2. Maria
3. Anastasia
4. Olga

Nicholas's Favorites:
1. Tatiana
2. Olga
3. Anastasia
4. Maria

But gosh darn it all, this was incredibly painful: Several times I had to just forcefully write it down or never get it done.

Did Alexandra favor Anastasia over Olga? Frackle it all, I don't know! I put it down as such because Alexandra seemed to worry little about Anastasia (save her ballooning weight) whereas Olga quarreled frequently with "darling Mama" as hormones began kicking in, but in captivity, Olga seemed a bit-- if only a bit-- more in sync with her mother. And obviously, Tatiana, ever devoted and selfless, was the favorite.

But was she? Everyone seemed to think so, but when Olga, Tatiana, Anastasia, and Alexei all were all ill with German measles. (Not true measles - please stop getting that wrong), it was Maria who helped Alexandra as they bore the news of Nicholas's abdication, Maria--as Alexandria noted gratefully--"up and about-calm and my helper growing thin as [she is] show nothing of how she feels." All of the them wanted to be useful to their mother and help her, but during this time, only Maria could.

But, of course, concern can also multiply a parent's affection. And when Maria eventually fell ill - with not only German measles but also pneumonia - she was on the verge of death.

Perhaps, just perhaps, Maria replaced Tatiana as Alexandra's favorite?

Nicholas's favorites are harder. I mean, it's Nicholas, know for hiding his feelings! That means his preferences are more my own got feelings, except for Tatiana. She was absolutely devoted and selfless and curried the favor of not only Alexandra but Nicholas also.

Assuming my lists are correct (...), ths means the overall list is:
1. Tatiana
2. Olga, Maria, Anastasia (tied)
--but at the end of the day, please do remember that for Mama and Papa
1. Alexei, the Heir, the Hope, Sunbeam, Baby
2. OTMA: (although of course they are well-loved)

Tags: otma, olga nikolaevna, tatiana nikolaevna, maria nikolaevna, anastasia nikolaevna, alexei nikolaevich, nicholas ii, alexandra feodorovna