A King's Choice

[Alex Richards]

Here's my attempt at a WWI TL, I've got to mid-1918 writing already, so this will be able to go on for a while at least. Comments welcome. The PoD is to allow for the necessary changes prior to the story opening.

A Kings Choice​

An alternate timeline with a POD in Late 1916​

Prologue

January 21st 1917, Alexander Palace, Tsarskoye Selo

Tsar Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, entered the Palace’s Reception Room, and was surprised to find Mikhail Rodzyanko, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Empire, standing there and looking rather sympathetic.
‘What are you doing here?’ asked the Tsar, ‘there isn’t bad news from the front is there?’
‘I’m afraid that this isn’t about the war.’ came the reply, ‘Your Majesty, the Duma is fed up with your behaviour and attitude with regards to their powers. We have decided that it is in the best interest of the people that you cease to hold the reins of power.’
‘You mean...’
‘Yes, the Duma is requesting that you abdicate, and would prefer for you to leave the country, the necessary arrangements have already been made.’
‘And if I refuse?’
‘I’m afraid this isn’t the kind of request that you can refuse. We shall expect a reply within the week. Goodbye Your Majesty.’
After Rodzyanko had left, Nicholas could be heard muttering ‘Abdicate, but why, how did this happen?’

Chapter 1-Kings, Tsars and Parliament

February 12th 1917, Buckingham Palace, London.

His Royal Highness George V, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British Dominions beyond the seas, King, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India, sat and sipped his Earl Grey tea from the fine China cup that was used in the private breakfast room, while looking out the window over the Palace gardens, and the city beyond. Presently, a servant knocked on the door.
‘Enter’
‘You’re Majesty, a letter from His Imperial Majesty, The Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias arrived this morning.’
‘Ah, place it on the table’
After the servant left, George V carefully examined the envelope, made of a rich, cream paper, and the handwriting upon it. As well as the stamp bearing his cousin’s visage, the envelope bore the seal of the Emperor of Russia impressed into wax on the rear, though of course the seal had been re-stuck using wax after the searching of the envelope for potential threats. The double-headed eagle stared at him, mutely, offering no clue as to what was inside.
He broke the seal, opened the envelope and extracted the letter inside; it was dated from the 22nd of January.

My dearest George

I am most deeply stressed to inform you that the peasants are revolting. Bolsheviks and communists roam the streets seeking my abdication, and I fear that in order to preserve the life of myself and my family I shall have to do so. I fear for my life, and for the safety of my children.

I do hereby ask you to grant myself and my family a place of residence in Britain until such time as it is safe for me to return to Russia. I am asking you this, not as Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, but as your dear and honest cousin. And I ask you to quick, for I fear that to remain in Russia is to court death.

Until we meet again,

Nicky

(We Nicholas the Second by the Grace of God Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, of Moscow, Kiev, Vladimir, Novgorod, Tsar of Kazan, Tsar of Astrakhan, King of Poland, Tsar of Siberia, Tsar of the Tauric Chersonesos, Tsar of Georgia, Lord of Pskov, and Grand Duke of Smolensk, Lithuania, Volhynia, Podolia and Finland, Prince of Estonia, Livonia, Courland and Semegalia, Samogatia, Belotosk, Karelia, of Tver, Yugra, Perm, Viyatka, Bulgaria and other territories; Lord and Gran Duke of Nizhny Novgorod, Chernigov; Sovereign of Ryazan, Polotsk, Rostov, Yaroslavl, Beloozero, Udoria, Obdoria, Kondia, Vitebsk, Mstislav and of all the Northern Territories; Sovereign of Iveria, Kartalinia, and the Kabardinian lands and Armenian Territories; Hereditary Lord and ruler of the Cherkass and Mountain Princes and others; Lord of Turkestan, Heir of Norway, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein, Stormarn Dithmarschen, Oldenburg and so forth, and so forth, and so forth.)

Putting down the letter, his majesty frowned, looked out the window and began to search for the answers. How could he allow the Tsar into the country? He could face a communist revolution himself. And what if Willy or Karl should seek asylum in Britain? Britain couldn’t be a country full of aristocrats and disposed royals, the people wouldn’t like it. On the other hand, Nicky was family. Russia was fighting on the side of Britain in the war. And Nicky’s letter certainly seemed to suggest that he might be in serious danger if he stayed in Russia.
But where could he stay. Certainly not the centre of London. The East End was already complaining about the disparity of wealth without adding wealthy foreign aristocrats to the area. But what about Kew? It’s empty, and small enough that it wouldn’t be seen as overly extravagant. Of course some modernisation would have to take place. But if Nicky brought some of the Imperial collection with him, that would help sweeten the deal. Yes Kew would be ideal. He would put the idea to Parliament tomorrow, and maybe he could persuade them to accede.

 

[maverick]

Bigger Font please

 

[Onkel Willie]

Yeah, bigger font. But otherwise its great.

 

[Sean Mulligan]

Britain wasn't facing a serious threat of communist revolution.

 

[Emperor-of-New-Zealand]

Britain wasn't facing a serious threat of communist revolution.

I think George V's concern was that they MIGHT face a communist revolution if the revolutionaries in Russia got word that the tsar had fled there. Or something along those lines.

Anyway, I like the premise to far. It's an interesting read, though it seems more like it belongs in the writer's forum than here.

 

[Josephus]

Ah... Emperor Franz Josef I was in his grave in the Kapuzinergruft by then. It would be Karl at that date.

 

[Alex Richards]

I've changed the Franz-Joseph to Karl, and will ensure that subsequent posts have a bigger font (can't change it in the OP for some reason).

Britain will certainly see an upswing in communist and socialist rallys and protests, but I've got a major shock planned that will pretty much destroy British Communism, and damage Socialism somewhat.

Quick check, the Act of Sucession only excludes Catholics, not members of other Christian denominations doesn't it.

 

[MNP]

I am sensing Russian Princess movie stars. Well more of them, since they actually exist and thank goodness!

 

[Alex Richards]

I am sensing Russian Princess movie stars. Well more of them, since they actually exist and thank goodness!

Well, just a hint, but they'll have to be descended from Nicholas or slightly earlier monarchs.

 

[Onkel Willie]

So when's the next update. I imagine that with Nicholas II still alive, the Soviet Union won't be recognised as the legitimate government of Russia soon. That will piss off whatever government-in-exile Nicky will set up. Might even halt British recognition until WW2 IMO. I'm wondering how the world will turn out after the USSR falls if it does. Might we see a Romanov restoration if Alexei produces an heir before he dies an untimely death? I've always had a taste for monarchical restoration and I'd love to see a neo-Russian Empire.

 

[Alex Richards]

So when's the next update. I imagine that with Nicholas II still alive, the Soviet Union won't be recognised as the legitimate government of Russia soon. That will piss off whatever government-in-exile Nicky will set up. Might even halt British recognition until WW2 IMO. I'm wondering how the world will turn out after the USSR falls if it does. Might we see a Romanov restoration if Alexei produces an heir before he dies an untimely death? I've always had a taste for monarchical restoration and I'd love to see a neo-Russian Empire.

Soviets will get a sort of recognition in the 1920s, but will pay a hard price for it. Nickys abdicated completely, but his children will be getting pretty political after the war. Hope the font's better now.

Chapter 2-A Short Break at the Palace

March 27th 1917, Aberdeen Harbour, Aberdeen.

George V stood on the Keyside as Grand Duke Nicholas Romanova, formerly Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias etc., stepped down from the ship that had brought him here from Russia. Behind him followed Princess Alix of Hesse, Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia Nikolaevna and Grand Duke Alexei Nikolaevich. Behind them were a small number of servants, some carrying trunks marked with the double-headed eagle of the Romanovs.
‘Thank you. From the bottom of my heart I thank you. You have been so kind’ were the first words uttered by the former ruler of the Russian Empire to his cousin, the ruler of the British Empire.
After the engagement of further pleasantries, his majesty George V turned to that most pressing of matters, the war.
‘I am afraid that I am no longer in control of the empire’s decisions, and as such can only say that I fear a surrender is likely within the year’ came the reply from the Grand Duke ‘and as such it is imperative that the forces of Britain and France be prepared to defend against the full might of a German Army no longer forced into a war on two fronts.’
‘Alas, it must be therefore that a breakthrough is achieved this year, or that the United States joins us in the war.’
At this point the two men climbed into the waiting car, with the Grand Duke’s family following in a second car.

March 30th 1917, Buckingham Palace, London.

As he paused in reading his morning paper, King George V reflected on the last couple of days. The Russians had settled in nicely into the Palace, for Kew wouldn’t be ready for several more months, and the general public appeared to be behind the royals and parliament in this decision, though some radicals were vehemently against it. Thankfully regular reports of the chaos in Petrograd caused by fighting between the Bolsheviks and the Provisional Government, not to mention the fact the Bolsheviks had promised to withdraw Russia from the war, meant that the radicals were in the minority. Even better, young Edward appeared to have taken a shine to Olga, and they could be seen often in the garden together. In short, domestic life was good. The war on the other hand was not. More troops were being requested from the Empire, though it was becoming unpopular. Britain was starting to feel the strain of the war, and with the Americans still refusing to enter, public opinion was turning against the war. The only consolation was that the exact same processes must be happening in Germany. A new plan was being drawn up. When Russia fell, it was thought, the Germans would launch one last assault to break the stalemate on the western front. If that failed, a cease-fire could be negotiated. Hopefully, peace could be declared, and a couple of minor territorial concessions made by Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottomans would be enough to satisfy people.

 

[Nikephoros]

Britain wasn't facing a serious threat of communist revolution.

If fact yes. But perhaps the monarchy did expect one.

Let's not forget about Perception and beliefs. They often take more precedence in leaders' decisions than facts.
Any TL where the Romanovs aren't brutally murdered is good.

 

[bm79]

March 30th 1917, Buckingham Palace, London.

Britain was starting to feel the strain of the war, and with the Americans still refusing to enter, public opinion was turning against the war. The only consolation was that the exact same processes must be happening in Germany.

The US will have entered the war in exactly one week, and by the end of March the Allies would have known that the DoW is soon to come.

 

[Alex Richards]

The US will have entered the war in exactly one week, and by the end of March the Allies would have known that the DoW is soon to come.

No, because ITTL, the Zimmerman Telegraph was never sent, or never accepted as fact, so America isn't entering the war (WWI Stalemate plan.)

 

[Lord Insane]

No, because ITTL, the Zimmerman Telegraph was never sent, or never accepted as fact, so America isn't entering the war (WWI Stalemate plan.)

Yes, at least not yet... hm, what is the POD?
The plan seems to hinge upon the Alliance being willing to concede minor territories, and the other Entente members being willing to accept just minor territorial changes... the challenge would seem to be finding the equilibrium between the Entente being too weak to defeat the Alliance (or the reverse) and the Entente being strong enough that it would prefer and be able to defeat the Alliance more thoroughly (again, or the reverse).

 

[Herr Frage]

A compromise peace?

Well the Italians and Habsburgs are both in rather unenviable states. Kaiser Karl should be willing to concede some trritory to Rome in exchange for the Allies not aiding any rebels or trying to stir up the Serbians again. Romania may prove an odd case with regards to Vienna and Sofia.

Montenegro will likely survibe as an independent stare since Vienna would not want Belgrade rto have it and more restless subjects are not needed.

The Kaiser Wilhelm II is a bit harder to call. Bu at this point it is more Hindenburg. I could see some concessions in the West in excvhange for refcognition of gains in the East.

The French could prove the most troublsome. Britain may need to knock some heads regarding the Franco-German border.

So will the Yankees still have their scret war in Russia? Speaking of which the Civil war may go differently with the royal family as a standard for White monarchists to rally too. Still a failure, but perhaps longer civil war and a more coherent resistance to the USSR.

Also it looks lie you intend to have the future king wed Olga.

Note:
Rasputin still dead?

 

[Alex Richards]

Yes, at least not yet... hm, what is the POD?
The plan seems to hinge upon the Alliance being willing to concede minor territories, and the other Entente members being willing to accept just minor territorial changes... the challenge would seem to be finding the equilibrium between the Entente being too weak to defeat the Alliance (or the reverse) and the Entente being strong enough that it would prefer and be able to defeat the Alliance more thoroughly (again, or the reverse).

The PoD is in about Dec. 1916 when the Duma organises a full plan for the abdication and 'voluntary' exile of Nicholas II and his family instead of just taking a chance at things. Things will get quite bloody on the Front, though not quite as bad as OTL

A compromise peace?

Well the Italians and Habsburgs are both in rather unenviable states. Kaiser Karl should be willing to concede some trritory to Rome in exchange for the Allies not aiding any rebels or trying to stir up the Serbians again. Romania may prove an odd case with regards to Vienna and Sofia.

Right here, Italy get a few bits, but we both know Austria has some serious issues right now. As for Romania, well things get interseting there

Montenegro will likely survibe as an independent stare since Vienna would not want Belgrade rto have it and more restless subjects are not needed.

Yep, Yugoslavia's not happening here.

The Kaiser Wilhelm II is a bit harder to call. Bu at this point it is more Hindenburg. I could see some concessions in the West in excvhange for refcognition of gains in the East.

Right again

The French could prove the most troublsome. Britain may need to knock some heads regarding the Franco-German border.

And Again

So will the Yankees still have their scret war in Russia? Speaking of which the Civil war may go differently with the royal family as a standard for White monarchists to rally too. Still a failure, but perhaps longer civil war and a more coherent resistance to the USSR.

Civil War gets quite interesting, not sure about the Yanks yet.

Also it looks lie you intend to have the future king wed Olga.

Not certain yet, but a definate possibility

Note:
Rasputin still dead?

Yes.

You're very good at guessing here. Specialist area?

 

[Alex Richards]

Chapter 3-France, Arabia and Scotland

April 9th 1917, Buckingham Palace, London.

King George V and Grand Duke Nicholas Romanova sat on either side of the elegant table in the Morning Room of Buckingham Palace talking and eating breakfast. It was the Grand Duke who spoke first.
‘George,’
‘Yes Nicky.’
‘I’ve got a problem.’
His Highness put down the copy of The Times he had been reading and turned towards the Grand Duke.
‘What is it?’
‘The girls.’
‘What about them?’
‘They want to help in the British war effort, work in the military hospitals like they did back in Russia.’
‘What’s the problem?’
‘They would be wide open to Bolshevik assassination.’
‘Nicky, as long as they aren’t visibly proclaiming themselves as the daughters of the former Tsar of Russia, they’ll be fine.’
‘I guess you’re right. But, there’s something else.’
‘Go on.’
‘I don’t want to feel like a third wheel, I feel like I’m hanging on to your family. There must be something I can do to help.’
‘You must have brought some things from Russia?’
‘Well, some items of jewellery.’
‘I presume you’re not talking about a couple of rings and a necklace.’
‘No, the Dowager Empress gave permission for us to bring the eggs presented to her with us, to keep them safe.’
‘You brought the eggs!? All of them?’
‘Yes, all 52 of Mr. Fabergé’s eggs, carefully boxed and wrapped in clothing.’
‘The provisional government let you take them?’
‘The Provisional Government were quite adamant that if we were no longer in Russia, they didn’t want them. They helped us pack. They felt that they were getting rid of a propaganda tool and providing us with the only pension we would get.’
‘Anything else?’
‘Oh, just a couple of rings and a necklace.’

The laughter coming from the two gentlemen could be heard echoing through the corridors of the Palace.

April 9th 1917, Undisclosed Location, Hedjaz.

The unmerciful desert here holds two most unusual figures, Hussein bin Ali, Sharif of Mecca, and T. E. Lawrence, the British correspondent to the Arab Revolt. Both are in deep conversation.
‘So,’ concluded the Arab, ‘we are in agreement.’
‘We are,’ replied the Englishman, ‘the British government shall continue to support you and your bid for independence from the Turks, and after the war is over we shall move a brigade of Muslim soldiers over from India in order to protect the sacred cities of Islam. The Kingdom of Hedjaz shall exist as a British supported state, but with full independence, and the Royal House of the state shall be given prominence in the Arab realms of Arabia.’
‘Arab shall rule Arab, and the lord Allah shall rule all.’
‘So it shall be, so it shall be.’

April 9th 1917, Buckingham Palace, London.

The Grand Duke and Duchess sat in bed, talking animatedly.
‘Nicky,’ exclaimed the Grand Duchess, ‘I think it’s a wonderful idea to put the eggs on display in one of the museums.’
‘And of course all proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the war effort, and afterwards to be split between what we need to pay for a small number of servants, and the museums.’
‘It’s just perfect.’
‘There is one thing though.’
‘What?’
‘I’ve been talking with George, and we think it would be best if we leave London until after the war.’
‘Where to?’
‘George says we can stay at Balmoral, and he’s asked a few members of the Aristocracy to put us up for a night on the way up.’
‘I think it’s for the best. For Alexis’ sake.’
‘I knew you’d think so. We’ll leave when the girls head out to France.’

 

[Herr Frage]

So they still have the eggs. Any other notable treasures?

The Princesses actions could help endear the British public to "Cousin Nicky".

So how is the Tsarevich doing?

I see the Ottomans are still goinmg down, no great surprise there. Is the discussed territory the Arabian peninsula or are the ambitions stretching further into Swasia?

Also may I ask why the large font?

Also I have a theory on how the Habsburg Empire may turn out.

 

[Alex Richards]

So they still have the eggs. Any other notable treasures?

The Princesses actions could help endear the British public to "Cousin Nicky".

So how is the Tsarevich doing?

I see the Ottomans are still goinmg down, no great surprise there. Is the discussed territory the Arabian peninsula or are the ambitions stretching further into Swasia?

Also may I ask why the large font?

Also I have a theory on how the Habsburg Empire may turn out.

Just the eggs and some personal jewelry, given in lieu of a pension.

The Princesses cause quite a fashion in aristocratic circles leading to a slighty more WWII united people.

The Tsarevich is currently alright, but he'll cause his father pains in the Civil War.

The Arabian peninsular mainly, though even areas remaining in the Empire will come under a strong influence.

The Large Font is because of critism of the orignal small font and a dificulty in copy-and-paste formatting from word. It distinguishes the passages at least.

PM me your theory, I'm interested.