The photograph was taken in 1896 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, which still serves as the summer residence of the British queen.

In the picture, Nicholas II is dressed in the uniform of the Scots Guards, a regiment with a rich history founded in the late 17th century.

Next to him is the future King of the United Kingdom, Edward VII, who ascended to the throne in 1901 after the death of his mother.

Queen Victoria, the grandmother of the empress, along with Alexandra Feodorovna, is caring for Grand Duchess Tatiana.

Nicholas II held the titles of admiral of the British Navy and field marshal of the British Army, which were bestowed upon him by British monarchs.

Educated by an English tutor, Nicholas spoke English fluently, as well as Russian. It is said that he had a slight 'English' accent in Russian. Additionally, the tsar was fluent in French and German at a native level.

At such family gatherings of European monarchs, who were close relatives, complex international issues were resolved during tea time. And they were indeed resolved, not just discussed.

It is known that the British Foreign Secretary Salisbury was present at this meeting, and the delimitation of spheres of influence in Asia was discussed.