Alexandra lacked in beauty and social graces .
Alexandra avoided court functions , instead dividing her time between her charitable activities and farm work on the family 's summer residence , Znamenka Palace , near Peterhof , which had been given to them as a wedding present .
Lacking in beauty and social graces , Alexandra avoided court functions , instead dividing her time between her charitable activities and farm work on the family 's summer residence , Znamenka Palace , near Peterhof , which had been given to them as a wedding present .