Alexandrine was raised in a cosmopolitan environment shaped by her mother’s princely background. From childhood, Alexandrine learnt to navigate the international scene in Russia and Mecklenburg and at other princely courts around Europe, and she spoke French, German and English from a young age.

Raised in France and Germany

Unfortunately, Alexandrine’s father was in poor health, so the Grand Duke and Duchess spent long periods in the south of France, where they owned a villa in Cannes, on the French Riviera. 

This meant that Alexandrine spent the summers of her childhood and youth in Mecklenburg and the rest of the year in Cannes, which had a rich social scene. In the late 19th century, the pleasant climate made the Southern French Riviera an attractive place for the European elite, who went there for the weather and the social life. Following the English custom, the Grand-Ducal family engaged in outdoor activities, especially golf, as well as yachting in the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea. Music was also an important part of Alexandrine’s life, and she was an accomplished pianist from a young age. Despite her princely upbringing, Alexandrine remained a very private person who preferred a quiet life, away from the lively social activities and lifestyle that had characterised her childhood and youth.