Not all members of the Romanov dynasty were destined to become tsars, but many of them made significant contributions to the development of the state. Konstantin Romanov, the son of Nicholas I, also brought considerable benefits. The emperor wanted his son to become an outstanding naval officer, so from the age of four, he was trained by Captain Litke, a participant in the circumnavigation expedition. At the age of eight, Konstantin made his first sea voyage as a cabin boy. These skills acquired in childhood proved very useful in the future.

When Konstantin Nikolaevich headed the Naval Ministry, he began to reform the fleet. Under him, there was a transition from wooden ships to steamships, Russia acquired cruisers for the first time, and battleships and destroyers appeared in the navy. Additionally, the navy abolished corporal punishment earlier than other departments and reduced the term of military service from 25 to 10 years.

Konstantin Nikolaevich was devoted to his "naval creation." He considered every sailor his brother and communicated as equals even with ordinary sailors, trying to understand their needs. Upon learning about the difficulties faced by the officers of the Baltic Fleet during campaigns, he ordered them to be provided with warm woolen jackets, cloth overcoats, and in cold weather, with sbiten, fresh greens, and meat. This led to a significant decrease in cases of scurvy in the north.

Konstantin Nikolaevich finally retired under Alexander III and spent the last four years of his life seriously ill. He died on January 13, 1892. One of his sons and three grandsons were shot by the Bolsheviks. The male line of the "Konstantinovich" branch ended in 1973, and the female line in 2007.