Ghosts of banquets past

When the Russian president and his wife attend a banquet at London's Guildhall on Wednesday, they will be following in the footsteps of Tsar Alexander II.

FAMILY TIES

Do these men look similar?
A: Tsar Nicholas II
B: King George V
C: Prince Michael of Kent

Links between the British and Russian royal families go back for generations:

King George V and Tsar Nicholas II were cousins. In addition, George V's aunt was married to Tsar Nicholas II's uncle

Tsar Nicholas II married one of Queen Victoria's grand-daughters

Prince Michael of Kent is George V's grandson. His mother was a great-granddaughter of Tsar Alexander II

Full family tree

Images: Novosti (London), PA

But the image of another tsar, Nicholas II, will be hanging from the walls as part of an exhibition of photographs from Russian state news agency archives.

It is a triple portrait with King George V and King Albert of Belgium from 1910, which demonstrates the striking similarity of the Russian and British monarchs.

They were first cousins, as their mothers were both daughters of the Danish King Christian IX.

They were also friends, with a similar outlook on life.

Also attending the banquet will be another British Royal, who bears a remarkable resemblance to the two men - Prince Michael of Kent.

He has the beard and the moustache, as well as the genes.

Not only is he a grandson of George V, his mother - Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark - was herself descended from Russian royalty.