Russian Grand Duke George Romanov, 39, who’s distantly related to the Queen announces engagement to long term girlfriend Italian writer Rebecca Bettarini
- Grand Duke George Romanov, 39, has announced engagement to girlfriend, 35,
- He proposed to Italian lobbyist and writer Rebecca Bettarini in December
- Ruby and diamond engagement ring was given to the Duke by his mother
- Wedding is set to take place in autumn 2021, with other royals set to be invited
The Russian Grand Duke George Romanov has announced his engagement to his long term girlfriend Rebecca Bettarini after a Christmas proposal.
The 39-year-old son of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia proposed to Italian lobbyist and writer Rebecca, 35, in December, after asking her parents for their blessing.
Rebecca, who is the daughter of Italian Ambassador Roberto Bettarini, went on to share the news on her own Instagram page, writing: ‘A new chapter of our life book together is starting. As a writer I hope that the journey ahead will be full of love, suspense and adventure as the first part of our life book was.’
According to Hola! the couple are set to marry in the autumn 2021 in Saint Petersburg. with guests set to include members of other royal families as well as a number of statesmen and public figures.
The Russian Grand Duke George Romanov, 39, has announced his engagement to his long term girlfriend Rebecca Bettarini, 35, after a Christmas proposal
Posting another snap alongside her beloved, Rebecca shared: ‘We are thrilled to finally share the news of our engagement with you! Thank you for your loving words.’
He proposed with a diamond and ruby ring, inspired by the rings formerly worn by the tsars in the colors of the Russian flag, which had been given to him by his mother at the age of 18.
In the statement from the Chancellery of the head of the Russian House of Imperia, it was explained that the future wife of the Tsarévich – title of crown prince, hereditary pretender to the throne – has converted to the Orthodox faith with the name of Victoria Romanova.
Their wedding will likely be a star-studded affair, with George related to royal families from across the world.
The 39-year-old son of Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna of Russia proposed to Italian lobbyist and writer Rebecca, 35, in December, after asking her parents for their blessing
George is the only son of the Russian Grand Duchess, with his ancestors also including Emperor Alexander II of Russia, and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.
He is also distantly related to the British royal family, and is the great-great-great-great grandson of Nicholas II of Russia, who was cousins with Britain’s George V, and Alexandra Fedorovna, who was Queen Victoria’s granddaughter.
Meanwhile he is also the godson of Don Juan Carlos and Doña Sofía , King Constantine of Greece, and King Simeon of Bulgaria – his christening was held in May 1981 in Madrid.
Rebecca shared snaps alongside the Grand Duke on her Instagram page, and said she was looking forward to a life of ‘love, suspense and adventure’
The couple met as youngsters, with Rebecca often accompanying her father to official receptions where they crossed paths.
Later, they both started working in international companies and met again at a reception at the French embassy in Brussels.
After living in Belgium for six years, the couple moved to Russia, where he works as a lawyer, and she works as a writer.