Princess Maria Nikolaevna of Russia was born on April 26, 1899, as the second daughter of Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra. She was a member of the last imperial family of Russia, known for their tragic fate during the Russian Revolution. Maria was often described as lively and charming, with a close bond to her siblings. During the upheaval of the early 20th century, Maria and her family were placed under house arrest after the abdication of her father in 1917. They were eventually executed in 1918, marking the end of the Romanov dynasty and a significant turning point in Russian history.