Part 1: Chapter 5 Summary and Analysis

May 1896 is the month of the Coronation of the new Emperor after the required year of mourning. The Coronation takes place in Moscow under the strict rules of history and tradition. The Tsar could not enter the city until the day before the coronation, which was a three-day event. People came from all over to see the coronation. Nicholas rode a white horse in the procession that entered the city. Marie rode in Catherine the Great's carriage and Alexandra followed in a separate carriage. The next day, on May 26, 1896 Nicholas II was crowned Tsar and Alexandra crowned the Empress. They were awake early that morning with their preparations for the coronation. Alexandra had to have her hair styled and learn how to work the clasp of her coronation cape.

At the appointed time, Nicholas and Alexandra left their apartment...