✅ New Addition to Georgian Royal Family Expected in 2021: Joyful News for the Bagrationi Dynasty

Exciting news has emerged from the Georgian royal family, as Prince Juan Bagration-Mukhransky and his wife Princess Kristine are expecting their first child in early 2021. This new addition will be a great-great-great-grandchild of King Alfonso XII of Spain, making it a significant event in the royal family's history.

Prince Juan, the founder of the Georgian Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting Georgian culture, is the son of the late Prince Bagrat Bagration-Mukhransky and his first wife Doña Maria del Carmen Ulloa y Suelves. Born in Madrid in 1977, Prince Juan has a rich heritage, being a grandson of Prince Irakly Bagration and his second wife Infanta María de las Mercedes of Spain. His wife, Princess Kristine, a sociologist and former model, is the daughter of Temur Dzidziguri and Lali Vashakidze, a veterinarian. The couple's civil wedding took place in 2014, followed by a religious wedding in 2018 at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Mtskheta, Georgia.

what are the key historical events involving the Bagration dynasty

The Bagrationi dynasty, also known as the Georgian Bagratids, has a rich and complex history spanning several centuries. Key historical events involving the dynasty include:

1. Restoration of the Georgian Monarchy: In 888, Adarnase IV of Iberia restored the Georgian monarchy, which had been dormant since 580. This marked the beginning of the unified Kingdom of Georgia, which prospered from the 11th to the 13th century.
2. Consolidation of the Kingdom: Bagrat III, a descendant of Adarnase IV, consolidated his inheritance in Tao-Klarjeti and the Abkhazian Kingdom, largely due to the diplomacy and conquests of his foster-father David III of Tao.
3. Georgian Golden Age: The reigns of David IV the Builder (1089–1125) and Tamar the Great (1184–1213) are considered the Georgian Golden Age, during which the kingdom experienced significant cultural, economic, and military achievements.
4. Fragmentation and Russian Annexation: After the late 15th century, the kingdom fragmented into three breakaway kingdoms: Kartli, Kakheti, and Imereti. The Russian Empire later annexed these kingdoms, breaking the terms of the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk.
5. Russian Imperial Noble Family: The Bagrationi dynasty persisted within the Russian Empire as an Imperial Russian noble family until the 1917 February Revolution. Some members relocated to Western Europe, while others repatriated after Georgia regained independence in 1991.
6. Modern Developments: In recent times, the Bagrationi family has seen significant events, such as the 2009 wedding of Princess Ana to Prince Davit Bagrationi-Mukhraneli, which united the Gruzinsky and Mukhrani branches of the royal family. This event drew attention to the ongoing debate over which branch has the strongest hereditary right to the throne.

These key events highlight the significant milestones in the history of the Bagrationi dynasty, from the restoration of the monarchy to the modern-day struggles over succession and royal claims.

what were the major achievements of David IV the Builder

David IV the Builder, also known as David IV the Great, was a significant figure in Georgian history. His major achievements include:

1. Unification of Georgia: David IV managed to reunite the country after it had been fragmented into several smaller kingdoms. He successfully drove the Seljuk Turks out of Georgia and brought most of the lands of the Caucasus under Georgian control.
2. Military Campaigns: David IV launched a series of military campaigns to regain lost territories and defeat the Seljuk Turks. He was particularly successful in the Battle of Didgori in 1121, which led to the liberation of Tbilisi and the final unification of Georgia.
3. Administrative Reforms: David IV implemented significant administrative reforms, including the creation of a well-organized intelligence network called mstovrebi. He also reorganized the army and administration to strengthen central power.
4. Cultural and Educational Initiatives: David IV was a patron of education and culture. He supported the establishment of schools and academies, such as Gelati Academy, which became a major center of learning in the region.
5. Charitable Activities: David IV was known for his charitable work, particularly in building hospitals for the sick and providing for their needs. He also engaged in other charitable activities, such as providing alms and supporting the poor.
6. International Relations: David IV maintained good relations with the Byzantine Empire and the Crusaders, forming alliances to challenge the Seljuk Turks from both sides. He also received the title "The Builder" for his achievements.

These achievements have made David IV the Builder a legendary figure in Georgian history, celebrated for his military prowess, administrative reforms, and cultural and charitable initiatives.

how did David IV's military strategies contribute to his success

David IV's military strategies significantly contributed to his success by employing a combination of innovative tactics and organizational reforms. Key aspects of his military approach include:

1. Guerilla Warfare: David IV initially used guerrilla tactics to harass the Seljuk Turks, taking advantage of his smaller army size by launching constant small-scale attacks. This strategy successfully made the Turks consider him a serious threat and created an opportunity for him to regain lost territories.
2. Discipline and Training: David IV reorganized the Georgian army, establishing a harsh discipline among soldiers and training them to be more effective. This increased the military potential of the royal army and allowed it to compete with the Seljuk forces.
3. Alliances and Diplomacy: David IV formed alliances with the Crusaders and other Christian forces, leveraging these connections to gain support and resources for his military campaigns. He also maintained good relations with the Byzantine Empire and the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, which helped to counterbalance the Seljuk threat.
4. Reorganization of the Army: David IV created a personal guard, the monaspa, which was directly responsible to him. He also divided the army into garrisons for town and fortress protection and a basic army that campaigned constantly. This reorganization allowed for more effective mobilization and discipline within the military.
5. Adaptability and Flexibility: David IV adapted his strategies to suit the changing circumstances of the battlefield. For example, he initially paid tributes to the Seljuks but later refused to do so, switching to a more aggressive campaign. He also made connections with the Kipchaks, a group of Turkish tribes, to gain their support in his military endeavors.
6. Leadership and Personal Involvement: David IV personally led his troops in battles, demonstrating his bravery and inspiring his soldiers. His leadership and involvement in battles helped to boost morale and increase the effectiveness of his military campaigns.

By combining these strategies, David IV was able to successfully drive out the Seljuk Turks, reunify Georgia, and establish a strong and powerful kingdom that would endure for centuries.

Prince Juan and Princess Kristine Bagration-Mukhransky. Photograph courtesy of Prince Juan.

Prince Juan Bagration-Mukhransky and his wife Princess Kristine have released the joyous news that they are expecting their first child in early 2021. The couple live in Tbilisi. The latest member of the Bagration dynasty will be a great-great-great-grandchild of King Alfonso XII of Spain.

Prince Juan and Princess Kristine. Photograph courtesy of Princess Kristine.

Kristine and Juan. Photograph courtesy of Princess Kristine Bagration.

Born at Madrid in 1977, Prince Juan Jorge is the son of the late Prince Bagrat Bagration-Mukhransky (1949-2017) and his first wife Doña Maria del Carmen Ulloa y Suelves (b.1953). Juan has one sibling, Princess Inès (b.1980; married George Gvishiani). In 2003, Prince Juan married Floriane del Rio y Thorn; the couple later divorced. Prince Juan is a grandson of Prince Irakly Bagration (1909-1977) and his second wife Infanta María de las Mercedes of Spain (1911-1953). The prince studied at the Collège Alpin International Beau Soleil. Prince Juan is the founder of the Georgian Foundation, a non-profit that seeks to promote Georgian culture. 

Prince Juan and Princess Kristine at their civil wedding in 2014.

The 2018 religious wedding of Prince Juan and Princess Kristine.

Born at Tbilisi in 1989, Princess Kristine Bagration-Mukhransky is the daughter of Temur Dzidziguri and Lali Vashakidze, a veterinarian. Princess Kristine is a sociologist and a former model. Prince Juan Bagaration and Kristine Dzidziguri married civilly on 10 May 2014 at Ronda, Málaga, Spain. The prince and princess celebrated their religious wedding on 3 June 2018 at Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Mtskheta, Georgia. Prince Charles-Henri Lobkowicz, a fifth cousin of the groom, acted as Prince Juan's best man. 

The Prince and Princess Bagration-Mukhransky. Photograph courtesy of Princess Kristine.

Our congratulations to Prince Juan and Princess Kristine on this happy news!

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what are the key achievements of David IV

The Bagrationi dynasty, also known as the Georgian Bagratids, has a rich and complex history spanning several centuries. Key historical events involving the dynasty include:

1. Restoration of the Georgian Monarchy: In 888, Adarnase IV of Iberia restored the Georgian monarchy, which had been dormant since 580. This marked the beginning of the unified Kingdom of Georgia, which prospered from the 11th to the 13th century.
2. Consolidation of the Kingdom: Bagrat III, a descendant of Adarnase IV, consolidated his inheritance in Tao-Klarjeti and the Abkhazian Kingdom, largely due to the diplomacy and conquests of his foster-father David III of Tao.
3. Georgian Golden Age: The reigns of David IV the Builder (1089–1125) and Tamar the Great (1184–1213) are considered the Georgian Golden Age, during which the kingdom experienced significant cultural, economic, and military achievements.
4. Fragmentation and Russian Annexation: After the late 15th century, the kingdom fragmented into three breakaway kingdoms: Kartli, Kakheti, and Imereti. The Russian Empire later annexed these kingdoms, breaking the terms of the 1783 Treaty of Georgievsk.
5. Russian Imperial Noble Family: The Bagrationi dynasty persisted within the Russian Empire as an Imperial Russian noble family until the 1917 February Revolution. Some members relocated to Western Europe, while others repatriated after Georgia regained independence in 1991.
6. Modern Developments: In recent times, the Bagrationi family has seen significant events, such as the 2009 wedding of Princess Ana to Prince Davit Bagrationi-Mukhraneli, which united the Gruzinsky and Mukhrani branches of the royal family. This event drew attention to the ongoing debate over which branch has the strongest hereditary right to the throne.

These key events highlight the significant milestones in the history of the Bagrationi dynasty, from the restoration of the monarchy to the modern-day struggles over succession and royal claims.

As we conclude this article about the new addition to the Georgian royal family, we would like to express our gratitude to Prince Juan Bagration-Mukhransky and his wife Princess Kristine for sharing this joyous news with us. The upcoming arrival of their first child in early 2021 is a significant event not only for the royal family but also for the nation of Georgia, as it will be a great-great-great-grandchild of King Alfonso XII of Spain. This new addition will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and energy to the royal family, and we wish them all the best as they prepare for this new chapter in their lives.

As we reflect on the significance of this event, we are reminded of the rich history and cultural heritage of the Bagrationi dynasty. From the unification of Georgia under King David IV the Builder to the modern-day efforts of Prince Juan to promote Georgian culture through the Georgian Foundation, the Bagrationi family has consistently demonstrated its commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural identity. As we look forward to the future, we can only imagine the impact that this new generation will have on the world. We are honored to have been a part of this journey and look forward to continuing to follow the developments of the Georgian royal family in the years to come.

what are the historical significance of the Bagration-Mukhransky family

The Bagration-Mukhransky family has significant historical importance in Georgian history and culture. They are a branch of the former royal dynasty of Bagrationi, which ruled Georgia from the Middle Ages until the early 19th century. The family's history is marked by notable achievements and events that have shaped the country's development.

1. Founding of the House of Mukhrani: The House of Mukhrani was founded in the 16th century by Bagrat I of Mukhrani, who received the domain of Mukhrani in the Kingdom of Kartli. This marked the beginning of a new branch of the Bagrationi dynasty, which would go on to play a significant role in Georgian history.
2. Royal Lineage: The Bagration-Mukhransky family is a direct descendant of the royal line of Kartli-Kakheti, making them the most senior genealogical line of the Bagrationi dynasty. They have been recognized as the Royal House of Georgia since 1957, with David Bagration of Mukhrani serving as the head of the house since 2008.
3. Military and Diplomatic Achievements: The family has been involved in various military and diplomatic endeavors throughout history. For example, Prince Irakli Bagration of Mukhrani played a prominent role in Georgian political emigration circles and was a key figure in the Union of Georgian Traditionalists, which fought to restore Georgia's sovereignty from the USSR.
4. Cultural and Educational Initiatives: The Bagration-Mukhransky family has been involved in promoting Georgian culture and education. Prince Juan Bagration-Mukhransky is the founder of the Georgian Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Georgian culture.
5. Royal Marriages and Succession: The family has been involved in several significant royal marriages and succession events. For example, the marriage between Prince Nugzar Gruzinsky and Princess Anna Bagration-Gruzinsky resolved the rivalry for the claim to the throne, ensuring the continuation of the royal line.

These historical events and achievements highlight the significant role the Bagration-Mukhransky family has played in shaping Georgian history and culture.