Page "Alexei Petrovich, Tsarevich of Russia" Paragraph 11

After the birth of Natalia in 1714, Alexei brought his long-time Finnish serf mistress Afrosinia to live in the palace.

Some historians speculate that it was his conservative powerbase's disapproval of his foreign, non-Orthodox bride, more so than her appearance, that caused Alexei to spurn Charlotte.

Another influence was Alexander Kikin, a high-placed official who had fallen out with the Tsar and had been deprived of his estates.