Maria Dmitrievna, Princess Naryshkina (1779 - 1854), born Maria Swiatopolk - Czetwertynska was the wife of Dmitry Lvovich Naryshkin (a hofmeister), the mistress of Tsar Alexander I of Russia and had three illegitimate children by him.

Their children were:

• Princess Zenaida Narishkina (18 May, 1810).
• Princess Sophia Narishkina (1808 - 18 June, 1824).
• Prince Emanuel Narishkin (30 July, 1813 - 31 December,1901).

She was the Polish mistress of Alexander for 13 years, since he was 19. Probably made princess by Alexander. Alexander left her at the end of his life and went back to his wife Louise of Baden who suffered his infidelity and neglect for years.

She may be the princess who wrote a number is a very well-known Russian dance song "On the Hills" who was by a Maria Naryshkina (1766- circa 1802), daughter of an important courtier. Might be related to Natalia Narishkina (mother to Peter I of Russia).

Notes

Maria Dmitrievna was not a princess. The Naryshkin family was always refused all titles. The Tsars maintained the ability to create those dear to them, Princes, Dukes, Barons and nobility. But a Naryshkin was never created a noble .

The illegitimate children of Maria Dmitrievna Naryshkina (née Swiatoplk-Czetwertynska) by the Tsar were the only exceptions with regard to their titles of prince and princess. But the titles were granted due to their Romanov blood, not their Naryshkin blood.

There have been a very few Naryshkin who accepted the title of Count. But the family prides itself in having a name that is above all titles save Grand Duke/Duchess and Tsar.

External links

http://www.geocities.com/rachelshayne/waltz_of_nations/prof_russia.html Has some to do with Maria Naryshkina.