imperial-russia: Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich, youngest son of Tsar Nicholas I, in old age Michael
imperial-russia: Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich, youngest son of Tsar Nicholas I, in old age Michael was the favourite uncle of Alexander III, and the only one of the three kept in important office. Partly this was due to Michael´s blameless personal life, and his tact, which the others totally lacked. He became Inspector-General of Artillery, but, more important, after leaving the Caucasus in 1881, his administrative experience was put to good use by his appointment as President of the Council of State, succeeding his older brother Constantine. He served there with distinction, although one of the ministers complained that his interest was only really aroused when Caucasian or artillery affairs came up for discussion. This minister, Polovtsev, referred to Michael as, “My dear, cowardly Grand Duke,” because Michael would not stand up to, or contradict, his nephew Alexander III. Although Alexander could indeed intimidate with his huge physical strength and strong will, the reason was rather Michael´s ingrained respect for and obedience to the reigning monarch. He took the same attitude toward his great-nephew, Nicholas II, when the latter became Emperor. Nicholas II never intimidated anyone and, to the contrary, suffered from the intimidation of some of his uncles. Polovtsev also complained that Grand Duke had trouble keeping state secrets, because he always kept his wife - known for her sharp and loose tongue - infromed of events. David Chavchavadze: The Grand Dukes -- source link