12 Facts About Irina Godunova

Irina Godunova's marriage was arranged by her brother in 1575, who successfully managed to secure a place in the Tsar's inner circle and the status of boyar through his sister's marriage.

Irina Godunova reportedly surpassed her spouse in intelligence, education and sophistication, and she quickly acquired influence over Feodor, and learned to navigate in court affairs.

Irina Godunova became tsaritsa upon the coronation of her husband in 1584.

The couple remained barren for more than a decade, although whether this was due to Feodor's poor health or to infertility on Irina Godunova's part is uncertain.

Tsaritsa Irina Godunova had great influence during the reign of Feodor and participated in state affairs, to a degree that exceeded the expected limits of a Russian tsaritsa and a monarch's wife in general.

Irina Godunova became well known abroad, corresponding with Queen Elizabeth I of England and Patriarch Meletis Pigasos of Alexandria.

Feodor trusted Irina Godunova, deferred to her, did not wish to exalt himself at her expense, trusted her to handle the affairs of state for him and relied on her advice.

The legal situation was difficult, however: as Irina Godunova had never been crowned, she had no authority to hold or convey power: furthermore, although the church and nobility was willing to accept her rule, the public in Moscow rioted at the suggestion of her succession and called her "shameless".

For nine days after the death of Feodor, the situation was unclear and Irina Godunova was de facto ruler.

Irina Godunova's first act as sovereign was to declare an amnesty of prisoners to win good will of the public, but this act failed as it released dangerous criminals and caused discontent.

Nine days after the death of her spouse, "in order to prevent great revolt", Irina Godunova relinquished formal power to the Boyar Duma and de facto power to her brother Boris Godunov.

Irina Godunova retired to the Novodevichy Monastery on the south side of Moscow, where she took monastic vows under the name Aleksandra.