A popular theory, repeated by the family itself, was that Felix Elston's father was Frederick William IV, King of Prussia.

It was also claimed that the name "Elston" was derived from "elle s'étonne" (she is surprised), a supposed reaction of his birth mother.

In 1882, Count Felix was present at a reception meant to introduce Prince Alexander of Battenberg to Russia's wealthiest and most eligible heiress, Zinaida Yusupova.

Nicholas fell in love with Countess Marina van Heiden, and wished to marry her, but Felix and Zinaida disapproved on account of the girl's reputation and existing engagement.

[5] His remaining son Felix married Princess Irina Romanova, Nicholas II's only niece, in 1914, despite his scandalous reputation.

While Zinaida Yusupova approved of her son's actions in murdering the starets, Prince Yusupov's feelings are unknown.

They stayed there for over a year, until the HMS Malborough evacuated Prince Yusupov, his wife, their son, their daughter-in-law Irina and their granddaughter, along with 39 other Romanov relatives in April 1919.

On 6 October 1914, Zina gave birth to a son, Nicholas, who was named after his elder half-brother, but tragically died after only ten months.

[7] After the Revolution, Zina accompanied Felix to Alupka, Crimea, where she gave birth to a girl named Tatiana on 5 July 1919.

In Rome, Zina was told by Yusupov to use specific routes when shopping for her children in order to avoid his wife.