Anna Demidova was a lady's maid who served Empress Alexandra of Russia during the final years of the Russian Empire. Born in Cherepovets to a merchant family, she was a graduate of the Yaroslavl Institute for Maids. She remained loyal to the Romanov family throughout their period of exile following the 1917 revolution. In July 1918, she was killed alongside the imperial family in Yekaterinburg. She is recognized for her steadfast devotion to her mistress during their captivity.
Life and death
Known by the nickname Nyuta, Demidova was a tall, blonde woman who worked as a governess before becoming a direct servant to the Tsarina. During the family's forced relocation from Tobolsk to Yekaterinburg, she accompanied the Empress and the Tsarevich. On the night of the execution, she was wounded during the initial gunfire and reportedly expressed gratitude for surviving, before being killed by the firing squad.
Veneration
The Russian Orthodox Church has canonized the members of the imperial family, and Demidova has been considered for sainthood due to her loyalty. Her remains were part of the group identified through forensic analysis after the discovery of the mass grave. A state funeral for the victims, including Demidova, was held in St. Petersburg in 1998.