Rasputin's Killer and His Romanov Princess - by Coryne Hall (Hardcover)

About the Book

Prince Felix Youssoupov was heir to the richest fortune in Russia, and husband to Princess Irina Romanov. He was also involved in the murder of the notorious Rasputin, but protected from prosecution by his Romanov connection. Using recently unearthed sources, this book explores the story of this colourful pair, shedding new light on their lives.

Book Synopsis

Prince Felix Youssoupov was heir to the richest fortune in Russia, and husband to Princess Irina Romanov. He was also involved in the murder of the notorious Rasputin, but protected from prosecution by his Romanov connection. Using recently unearthed sources, this book explores the story of this colorful pair, shedding new light on their lives.

When the Tsar's eighteen-year-old niece Princess Irina Romanov announced her marriage to Prince Felix Youssoupov, heir to the richest fortune in Russia, the Imperial family were shocked. Prince Felix and his wife Princess Irina had it all. When they married in St. Petersburg in 1914 immense wealth and social standing were theirs. But fate had other ideas.

In 1916 Felix was involved in one of the most famous crimes of the twentieth century - the murder of Gregory Rasputin, evil genius of Empress Alexandra. It was Irina's royal blood that ensured Felix was never prosecuted for what many saw as a patriotic act. The following year revolution swept the country and in 1919 Felix and Irina were forced into exile for the rest of their lives. How did they survive in the real world when the money began to run out? Why did they live their lives in the shadow of Rasputin? How did Rasputin save them? And how did Felix redeem himself for Rasputin's murder?

No joint biography of Irina and Felix has ever been written. This book utilizes little-known Russian sources, as well as documents recently purchased at auction to reveal new facts, throwing fresh light on the couple's lives, their relationship and how they never quite escaped from the shadow of Rasputin.

Review Quotes

Coryne Hall introduces us to Prince Felix and his wife Princess Irina - the glamorous couple who had it all.', Majesty Magazine, April 2023

I hope that reading it will enable people to understand Felix and Irina a lot better.', Royalty Digest Quarterly, Volume 2, 2023

About the Author

Coryne Hall is a historian, broadcaster and consultant specializing in the Romanovs and British and European royalty. Her books include Little Mother of Russia, a Biography of the Empress Marie Feodorovna 1847-1928, Once a Grand Duchess. Xenia, Sister of Nicholas II (with John Van der Kiste), Imperial Dancer. Mathilde Kschessinska and the Romanovs, Princesses on the Wards. Royal Women in Nursing Through Wars and Revolutions and Princess Olga. A Wild and Barefoot Romanov (With H.H. Princess Olga Romanoff). She is a regular contributor to Majesty magazine, The European Royal History Journal, and Royalty Digest Quarterly.