Eugene Botkin was a physician who served as the court doctor for Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra starting in 1908. He frequently attended to the health of the Tsarevich Alexei, particularly regarding complications from haemophilia. Following the Russian Revolution, he chose to remain with the imperial family during their exile in Siberia. In July 1918, he was killed alongside the Romanovs by guards in Yekaterinburg. He is recognized as a saint in the Orthodox Church, where he is honored as a passion bearer.
Life and service
Born in the Russian Empire, Botkin studied medicine at the Military Medical Academy and pursued further studies in Germany. He followed in the footsteps of his father, a prominent medical educator, and served on a Red Cross hospital train during the Russo-Japanese War. As a trusted member of the imperial court, he acted as a translator for the Empress and maintained a close professional bond with the Tsar.
Death and veneration
While held in captivity in Yekaterinburg, Botkin remained dedicated to his duty, even writing a final letter expressing his commitment to his patients. He was executed by guards during the same event that claimed the lives of the imperial family. The Russian Orthodox Church later canonized him, designating him a Righteous Passion-Bearer in 2016.