The Ice Knights

From the Knights of Malta to the Ice Knights

Tsar Alexander I was very involved in the fate of the Russian Priory, but, despite this, it seems that the Russian aristocracy was divided to accept the Knights as equals, some opposed their initiatives and the Tsar tried not to take part in the disputes.

To cope with palace intrigues, (nobles would have tried to poison Alexander I), the latter would have created a secret branch of the Order. According to few historical information, being these soldiers, they would have been called the "Ice Knights" (precisely because they were impassive and tough men), but the most likely and accredited “legend” tells that the Tsar had entrusted his most trusted admiral with the care of his person, promising him the regency of the conquered territories. According to this historical view, Alexander I named this secret branch “Ice Knights”, headed by Admiral Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen.

The latter, already Lieutenant of the Knights, accepted the invitation of the Tsar, was appointed Grand Master of the Secret Order, and officially assigned men and ships to him. The Tsar renounced the possessions that the fleet had conquered, and Gottlieb maintained the leadership of these men, one of the most trusted “Knights of Malta”, obliging them to secrecy precisely to better supervise, following the numerous internal struggles of the aristocracy of the time.

Subsequently, the seat of the Order remained in St. Petersburg, with the Tsars participating in the fate of the Order. Alexander II and Alexander III confirmed the right to use the insignia of the Order to the knights and their heirs. At the funeral of Alexander II, in March 1881, the crown of Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem was greatly honored. Indeed, Tsar Nicholas II, resuming the ancient family tradition, elevated many of his relatives to the dignity of Bailiff Grand Cross, and also authorized the Corps des Pages to bear the octagonal cross of the Order.