🚀 New Addition to Georgian Royal Family Expected in 2021: Joyful News for the Bagration 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 Bagration dynasty, also known as the Georgian Bagratids, has a rich and complex history spanning several centuries. Here are some key historical events involving the dynasty:

1. Early Origins: The Bagrationi family emerged in the 8th century, initially as presiding princes in southwestern Georgia. They expanded their domain under Byzantine protection and eventually restored the Georgian monarchy in 888 under Adarnase I.
2. Golden Age: The Bagrationi Dynasty's most notable period was during the reigns of David IV (1089-1125) and Queen Tamar (1184-1213), marking Georgia's Golden Age. David IV achieved significant military successes, and Queen Tamar continued this legacy, extending Georgia's territorial reach and fostering a cultural and architectural renaissance.
3. Fragmentation and Russian Annexation: The 13th-century invasions by the Khwarezmians and Mongols led to the fragmentation of Georgia into three separate kingdoms—Kartli, Kakheti, and Imereti—each ruled by a Bagrationi branch. Despite the Treaty of Georgievsk in 1783, which guaranteed continued sovereignty for the Bagrationi dynasty, the Russian Empire later broke the terms and fully annexed the protectorate in 1801.
4. Legacy: Despite the end of their reign, the Bagrationi family remained prominent within the Russian Empire. Following the establishment of Soviet rule in Georgia in 1921, many family members relocated to Western Europe. Today, the Bagrationi royal family, split into several branches, symbolizes Georgia's rich history and cultural heritage.

These key events highlight the Bagrationi dynasty's rise to power, their significant contributions to Georgian history, and their eventual decline and fragmentation under external pressures.

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. Military Conquests: David IV led successful military campaigns against the Seljuk Turks, regaining control over lost territories and expanding Georgia's borders. He defeated the Muslim coalition army at the Battle of Didgori in 1121, liberating Tbilisi and unifying Georgia.
2. Centralization of Power: David IV centralized power by defeating rebellious feudal lords and establishing a strong, unified state. He reformed the army and administration, creating a solid foundation for the country's future prosperity.
3. Education and Culture: David IV promoted education and culture by founding the first medieval academies in Georgia, including Gelati, Ikalto, and Gremi. He also encouraged the revival of Georgian hymn writing and was a patron of the arts.
4. Economic Development: David IV helped to revive major cities and began the resettlement of devastated regions, contributing to the country's economic growth and stability.
5. Religious Leadership: David IV was a devout Christian and a friend of the Church. He reformed the Georgian Orthodox Church, limiting its authority and expanding royal oversight, and facilitated the construction of monasteries and churches throughout Georgia and the Near East.
6. International Alliances: David IV formed alliances with the Crusaders, which helped him in his struggle against the Seljuks. He also maintained good relations with the Byzantine Empire and other neighboring states.

These achievements collectively contributed to Georgia's Golden Age, during which the country experienced significant cultural, economic, and military growth under David IV's leadership.

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

David IV's military strategies significantly contributed to his success in several ways:

1. Guerilla Tactics: Initially, David IV employed guerilla tactics, using small-scale attacks to harass and demoralize the Turkish forces. This strategy allowed him to achieve victories without a powerful army, making him a serious threat to the Turks.
2. Reorganization of the Army: David IV reorganized the Georgian army, creating a powerful force known as Mona-Spa, which was directly responsible for his safety. He also established a harsh discipline among the soldiers, increasing the military potential of the royal army.
3. Use of Foreign Allies: David IV formed alliances with foreign forces, such as the Kipchaks, a group of warriors from southern Russia. This fresh new force assisted him in his military successes and helped to strengthen his power.
4. Strategic Battles: David IV chose strategic locations for his battles, often using terrain to his advantage. For example, he defeated the Seljuks at the Battle of Didgori by using the Surami Mountains to his advantage, and he captured the fortress of Zedazeni by exploiting its strategic location.
5. Adaptability and Flexibility: David IV adapted his strategies to suit the situation. He initially used guerilla tactics but later implemented a more aggressive campaign against the Seljuks. He also adjusted his tactics to counter the Seljuk invasions and the coalition of Muslim states.
6. Leadership and Personal Involvement: David IV personally led his troops, inspiring them with his bravery and determination. His leadership and involvement in battles, such as the Battle of Didgori, were crucial to his military successes.

These military strategies, combined with his ability to form alliances and reorganize his army, allowed David IV to achieve significant military victories and ultimately unify Georgia under his rule.

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 main achievements of David IV

The Bagration dynasty, also known as the Georgian Bagratids, has a rich and complex history spanning several centuries. Here are some key historical events involving the dynasty:

1. Early Origins: The Bagrationi family emerged in the 8th century, initially as presiding princes in southwestern Georgia. They expanded their domain under Byzantine protection and eventually restored the Georgian monarchy in 888 under Adarnase I.
2. Golden Age: The Bagrationi Dynasty's most notable period was during the reigns of David IV (1089-1125) and Queen Tamar (1184-1213), marking Georgia's Golden Age. David IV achieved significant military successes, and Queen Tamar continued this legacy, extending Georgia's territorial reach and fostering a cultural and architectural renaissance.
3. Fragmentation and Russian Annexation: The 13th-century invasions by the Khwarezmians and Mongols led to the fragmentation of Georgia into three separate kingdoms—Kartli, Kakheti, and Imereti—each ruled by a Bagrationi branch. Despite the Treaty of Georgievsk in 1783, which guaranteed continued sovereignty for the Bagrationi dynasty, the Russian Empire later broke the terms and fully annexed the protectorate in 1801.
4. Legacy: Despite the end of their reign, the Bagrationi family remained prominent within the Russian Empire. Following the establishment of Soviet rule in Georgia in 1921, many family members relocated to Western Europe. Today, the Bagrationi royal family, split into several branches, symbolizes Georgia's rich history and cultural heritage.

These key events highlight the Bagrationi dynasty's rise to power, their significant contributions to Georgian history, and their eventual decline and fragmentation under external pressures.

As we conclude our coverage of 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 marks a significant milestone in the Bagration dynasty's history, as it will be a great-great-great-grandchild of King Alfonso XII of Spain. This development is a testament to the enduring legacy of the royal family and their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.

We would also like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Prince Juan, who has been a dedicated advocate for Georgian culture through his work with the Georgian Foundation. His dedication to promoting the rich cultural traditions of his homeland is truly commendable. As we look forward to the arrival of the new addition to the royal family, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and the role that royal families play in this process. We wish Prince Juan, Princess Kristine, and their soon-to-be-born child all the best as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

what are the historical significance of the Bagration-Mukhransky family

The Bagration-Mukhransky family has significant historical importance in Georgia and the broader region. Here are some key points:

1. Royal Lineage: The Bagration-Mukhransky family is a branch of the former royal dynasty of Bagrationi, which ruled Georgia from the Middle Ages until the early 19th century. They are the seniormost genealogical line of the entire Bagrationi dynasty.
2. Mukhrani Domain: The family received the domain of Mukhrani in the Kingdom of Kartli, which they have held since the 16th century. This domain was a significant territorial holding within the kingdom.
3. Royal Sovereigns: An elder branch of the house of Mukhrani furnished five royal sovereigns of Kartli between 1658 and 1724. This period saw the family play a crucial role in the governance of the kingdom.
4. Russian Titles: The family held Imperial Russian titles, including Prince Gruzinsky and Princes Bagration, reflecting their close ties with the Russian Empire.
5. Claim to the Throne: The Bagration-Mukhransky family claims to be the Royal House of Georgia, citing their genealogical seniority and the fact that they are the last surviving line of the Bagrationi dynasty.
6. Historical Figures: The family has produced notable historical figures, such as Prince Irakli Bagration-Mukhraneli, who played a prominent role in Georgian political emigration circles and advocated for a constitutional monarchy in an independent Georgia.
7. Cultural Preservation: The Bagration-Mukhransky family has been involved in preserving Georgian culture, with Prince Juan Bagration-Mukhransky being the founder of the Georgian Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting Georgian culture.

These historical connections and roles highlight the Bagration-Mukhransky family's enduring significance in Georgian history and their ongoing commitment to preserving their cultural heritage.