Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna of Russia was born on July 17, 1853, as the daughter of Tsar Alexander II of Russia and Empress Maria Alexandrovna. She was known for her beauty and intelligence, and she played a significant role in the Russian royal family. In 1874, she married Duke Alfred of Edinburgh, the second son of Queen Victoria, which strengthened ties between the British and Russian royal families. Maria Alexandrovna had six children and was involved in various charitable activities throughout her life. She became known for her artistic talents, particularly in painting and music. After the Russian Revolution, she lived in exile in England and Germany, where she passed away on June 24, 1920.