The Romanovs, the last royal family of Russia. Nicholas II (May 18, 1868 - July 17, 1918) was the last Emperor of Russia, Grand Duke of Finland, and titular King of Poland. His official short title was Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias and he is known as Saint Nicholas the Passion-Bearer by the Russian Orthodox Church. Nicholas II ruled from 1894 until his abdication on March 15, 1917. Alix of Hesse and by Rhine (June 6, 1872 - July 17, 1918), was Empress consort of Russia as spouse of Nicholas II, the last Emperor of the Russian Empire. Alexandra bore Nicholas four daughters, the Grand Duchess Olga in 1895, the Grand Duchess Tatiana in 1897, Grand Duchess Maria in 1899, and Grand Duchess Anastasia in 1901, before their son Alexei was born in 1904. As all of Nicholas and Alexandra's children perished with their parents in 1918.