In the early morning of August 23, 2007, a team of Russian scientists and archaeologists announced the discovery of skeletal remains believed to belong to Alexei Nikolaevich, Tsarevich of Russia, along with his sister, Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov. The remains were uncovered near Yekaterinburg, the site where the Romanov family was executed in July 1918, following the Bolshevik Revolution. This location had long been a focal point of intrigue and speculation surrounding the death and burial of the last royal family of Russia. The case had drawn international attention over the decades as many sought answers to the fate of the Romanovs.

In the years leading up to the discovery, several attempts had been made to locate the remains of the Romanov family, as numerous witnesses had testified about the execution scene. A key element in the identification process was the use of DNA analysis, which conclusively matched the found remains with those of the Romanov family. The remains aligned with historical accounts describing the brutal execution of Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, their five children, and several loyal servants, which had been a tumultuous chapter in Russian history.

The discovery relieved many long-held uncertainties about the identities of the remains attributed to the family. It spurred renewed interest in the Romanov legacy, leading historians to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding their rule and demise. Memorials and exhibits were renewed, ensuring that the narrative of the Romanovs would continue to be an integral part of Russian history, highlighting their imperial lifestyle and the drastic changes occurring during the early 20th century.