During a popular fête'organised on Moscow's Khodynka field on 18 May 1896, in celebration of Nicholas II's coronation, a disaster occurred in which over a thousand Russian people lost their lives. This article examines contemporary reactions to the Khodynka catastrophe in the context of declining support for the monarchy. It argues that the disaster might be viewed as an early indication of forthcoming crisis in the reign of Nicholas II, undermining his traditional image as a benevolent protector of the people.