in 1904 which moved Gagra into Russia was due to the resort. The border was switched back in 1917. In 1902, a mob of peasants burned Alexander's southern Russian estate of Ramon Palace, which had been a gift from Eugenia's uncle Emperor Alexander II upon the couple's marriage. Acting out of labor unrest and what was incorrectly perceived as a fake pronouncement that the Emperor would take back land given to peasants, a mob of angry people traveled throughout southern Russia and caused extensive damage. The estate survived, but fifteen years later, it would be confiscated by the new Bolshevik regime, and turned into a barracks, school, hospital, and housing for a nearby factory. By 1914, Alexander was almost an "invalid", traveling with the help of a nurse for his care. Later that year, while driving just outside Wiesenthal in Baden with his valet and nurse, Alexander was in an auto wreck, sustaining very grave injuries. His gentleman-in-waiting and others who were traveling with the duke, either in his car or another driving behind them, were also injured in the crash, as it involved both vehicles. Alexander survived the wreck. Russian revolution Despite his well-known charitable activities, a price was put on his head by the newly emerged Bolshevik regime, who also destroyed the institutions he founded. During the Russian revolution, Alexander was reported to have been one of the members of the Imperial family killed by the government. Further reports revealed however that Alexander had been in hiding in Finland ever since the revolution broke out, eventually turning up in Paris. As he left his property (and thus the main source of his wealth) in Russia, Alexander found himself relatively penniless in France. He died in exile at Biarritz on 6 September 1932. He was buried at Cimetière du Sabaou in Biarritz. Honours Russian honours Knight of the Imperial Order of Saint Anna, 3rd Class, 30 August 1866, 1st Class, 1 July 1868 Knight of the Imperial Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle the First-called, 1 July 1868 Knight of the Order of Saint Alexander Nevsky, 1 July 1868 Knight of the Imperial Order of the White Eagle, 1 July 1868 Knight of the Imperial Knight of Saint Stanislaus, 1st Class, 1 July 1868 Knight of the Imperial Order of Saint Vladimir, 3rd Class, 30 August 1870, 2nd Class with Swords, 1878; 1st Class, 1900 Knight of the Order