Changes

== Equal marriage dispute ==

== Equal marriage dispute ==

Although nominally about the succession, the failure of the Romanov family to confirm Maria as head of the house is tied to her interpretation of a traditional rule that required a Romanov to marry a partner of equal rank. According to ''The Fundamental Laws of the Russian Empire'' (1906):{{cquote|Children born of a marriage between a person of the Imperial Family and a person not of corresponding dignity, that is not belonging to any royal or sovereign house, have no right of succession to the Throne.<ref>''[https://www.russianlegitimist.org/the-fundamental-laws The Fundamental Laws of the Russian Empire]'' (1906), Article 36.</ref>}}This requirement has proven difficult for exiled royals to fulfill.  

Although nominally about the succession, the failure of the Romanov family to confirm Maria as head of the house is tied to her interpretation of a traditional rule that required a Romanov to marry a partner of equal rank. According to ''The Fundamental Laws of the Russian Empire'' (1906):{{cquote|Children born of a marriage between a person of the Imperial Family and a person not of corresponding dignity, that is not belonging to any royal or sovereign house, have no right of succession to the Throne.<ref>''[https://www.russianlegitimist.org/the-fundamental-laws The Fundamental Laws of the Russian Empire]'' (1906), Article 36.</ref>}}This requirement has proven troublesome for exiled royals.  

In 1948, Vladimir married Princess Leonida Bagration-Mukhransky in Lausanne. The House of Bagration is one of the world's oldest ruling families, ruling Georgia from 813 to 1801.<ref>Only the Japanese Imperial House is older. Russia and Georgia made a treaty affirming the status of the Bagrations in 1783: ‘Her Imperial Majesty [Catherine II], graciously accept in supreme power and protection over the Kingdoms of Kartli and Kakheti, promises in Her name and in the name of Her Heirs… to preserve forever on the Throne of the Kingdoms of Kartli and Kakhety [Georgia] the Serene Tsar Irakly, son of Theimouraz, and his Heirs and Descendants.’ Quoted by Brien Horan in "[https://www.russianlegitimist.org/russian-imperial-succession The Russian Imperial Succession]."</ref>

In 1948, Vladimir married Princess Leonida Bagration-Mukhransky in Lausanne. The House of Bagration is one of the world's oldest ruling families, ruling Georgia from 813 to 1801.<ref>The Japanese Imperial House is the only House that is older than the Bagrations. Russia and Georgia made a treaty affirming the status of the House in 1783: ‘Her Imperial Majesty [Catherine II], graciously accept in supreme power and protection over the Kingdoms of Kartli and Kakheti, promises in Her name and in the name of Her Heirs… to preserve forever on the Throne of the Kingdoms of Kartli and Kakhety [Georgia] the Serene Tsar Irakly, son of Theimouraz, and his Heirs and Descendants.’ Quoted by Brien Horan in "[https://www.russianlegitimist.org/russian-imperial-succession The Russian Imperial Succession]."</ref>

In 1969, Vladimir issued a proclamation which declared that the marriages of other Romanov dynasts were not "equal" according to the rules of the House. They had married members of non-ruling noble families.<ref name="Massie">Massie, Robert K., ''The Romanovs: The Final Chapter'', 1995, p. 282.</ref>

In 1969, Vladimir issued a proclamation which declared that the marriages of other Romanov dynasts were not "equal" according to the rules of the House. They had married members of non-ruling noble families.<ref name="Massie">Massie, Robert K., ''The Romanovs: The Final Chapter'', 1995, p. 282.</ref>