Vladimir Putin has unveiled a giant statue of Alexander III in Crimea with a speech drawing parallels between the rule of the conservative tsar and his own 18 years in power.

The decision to commemorate the quiet reign of Alexander III, who was the brother-in-law of Britain's Queen Alexandra, comes after the Kremlin ignored the 100th anniversary of the Russian revolution this month.

An announcer on Saturday praised the “ruler who brought peace, glory, development and stability” as Mr Putin stood at attention and an honour guard pulled back an ochre covering from the looming bronze statue, which depicts the burly, bearded emperor sitting with his hands on a sword. Officials have frequently stressed the “stability” that Mr Putin's presidency brought after the chaotic 1990s.