The Czar of the Russian Empire is the former title held by the Head of State of the Russian Empire, until the end of the empire in 1948, as a direct response to the Year of Three Czars, with the death of Czar Micheal II of Russia, and the accession of George of Russia, the illegitimate son of Micheal (who Nicholas II had approved to be the heir apparent for his brother, Micheal), and then Andri, who was a nobleman voted upon by the nobles to be granted the throne, but he said he would only accept if the people agreed. This lead to the referendum held to decide the future of the state. The result was a slim (53% majority) that called for a republic to be formed, and the monarchy was virtually abolished.