Maria Skuratova-Belskaya

False Dmitry's Agents Murdering Feodor Godunov and his Mother, by Konstantin Makovsky (1862). Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.

Maria Grigorievna Skuratova-Belskaya (died 10/20 June 1605), was a Tsaritsa of Russia as the spouse of Tsar Boris Godunov. She served as regent of Russia during the minority of her son, Tsar Feodor II of Russia, in 1605.

Life

Maria Skuratova-Belskaya was the daughter of Tsar Ivan the Terrible's favorite, Malyuta Skuratov-Belskiy. In 1570, she married Boris Godunov. The marriage was reportedly arranged because Godunov wished to strengthened his position at court by becoming the son-in-law of the Tsar's favorite.

In 1598, her spouse became Tsar of Russia, making her Tsaritsa. Upon the death of her spouse in April 1605, her son was proclaimed Tsar. As he was a minor, a regency was needed to govern Russia during his minority, and Maria Skuratova-Belskaya was proclaimed regent. Her regency, and that of her son, was however only to last for a couple of months.

On 10/20 June 1605, she was strangled with her son Feodor in his apartment.

Issue

1. Tsar Feodor II of Russia

References

• Мария Григорьевна // Славянская энциклопедия: XVII век в 2-х томах. A-M. Том 1