Photograph of Tsesarevich Nicholas (1868-1918), later Nicholas II, and Princess Alix of Hesse (1872-1918), later Alexandra Feodorovna. Nicholas is sitting to the left with his legs crossed, holding an open cigarette box. Princess Alix stands beside him to the right, looking down and with her hands clasped together. They are standing on a patterned rug and there is a plant to either side. This photograph was taken in Coburg in April 1894 at the time of their engagement, which took place during the wedding celebrations of their mutual cousin Princess Victoria Melita. The couple married at the Winter Palace on the 26th of November 1894, just weeks after Nicholas II became Emperor following the early death of his father Alexander III.