The title "Grand Duke of Russia" was historically used for members of the Russian imperial family, ranking just below the emperor. Grand Dukes often governed large territories and held significant political power within the Russian Empire. The title was typically granted to the sons and brothers of the reigning emperor, such as Tsar Nicholas II. The role of Grand Duke became prominent during the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially as the Russian Empire expanded. Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, the monarchy was abolished, and the title ceased to hold any official power, although some descendants of the royal family still use it today.