Grand Duchess Anna Petrovna of Russia

Born in Moscow on 27 January 1708, Anna Petrovna was the eldest daughter of Emperor Peter I and Empress Catherine I. Her younger sister Elizabeth would claim the throne in 1741, ruling until 1762. During the reign of her nephew Peter II, Anna stood as a potential heir, but political currents kept her from succession. She married into Holstein-Gottorp, becoming Duchess Consort. She died in Kiel on 4 March 1728, only twenty years old. Her son Peter III inherited the empire in 1762, following Elizabeth — the crown passing through her line, a generation late.