R-44 Crown Prince Alexei

Crown Prince Alexei Nikolaevich in 1912 was the time this picture was taken. In some respects, because of his chronic illness with a blood disease, the young prince became something of a “pet” in the family circle. It does appear that Alexei kind of lapped up this special attention. I’m sure the young boy would have reacted differently had he not had this handi-cap.