Maria Skuratova-Belskaya Explained

Maria Grigorievna
Succession:Tsaritsa of Russia
Reign:11 February 1598 – 10 June 1605
Birth Date:c. 1552
Death Date:10/20 June 1605 (aged c. 53)
Death Place:Moscow, Russia
Burial Place:Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius
Consort:yes
Spouse:Boris Godunov
Issue:Xenia Borisovna
Feodor II of Russia
House:Skuratova-Belskaya (by birth)
(by marriage)
Father:Malyuta Skuratov
Mother:Matryona

Maria Grigorievna Skuratova-Belskaya (c. 1552 ~ died 10/20 June 1605) was a Tsaritsa of Russia as the spouse of Tsar Boris Godunov. She served as regent of Russia during the minority of her son, Tsar Feodor II of Russia, in 1605.

Life

Maria Skuratova-Belskaya was the daughter of Tsar Ivan the Terrible's favorite, Malyuta Skuratov-Belskiy. In 1570, she married Boris Godunov. The marriage was reportedly arranged because Godunov wished to strengthen his position at court by becoming the son-in-law of the Tsar's favorite.

In 1598, her spouse became Tsar of Russia, making her Tsaritsa. During her tenure as tsarina, Maria Feodorovna Pozharskaya was her favorite and reportedly exerted influence over her. Upon the death of her spouse in April 1605, her son was proclaimed Tsar. As he was a minor, a regency was needed to govern Russia during his minority, and Maria Skuratova-Belskaya was proclaimed regent. Her regency, and that of her son, was however only to last for a couple of months.

On 10/20 June 1605, she was strangled with her son Feodor in his apartment.

Issue:
  1. Tsarevna Xenia Borisovna
  2. Tsar Feodor II of Russia

References

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