Prince Constantine Constantinovich of Russia, nicknamed Kostya by the family, was the third son and fourth child of Grand Duke Constantine Constantinovich of Russia by his wife Grand Duchess Elizabeth Mavrikievna of Russia.

Grand Duke Konstantin Konstantinovich of Russia was a grandson of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia, and a poet and playwright of some renown. He wrote under the pen name "K.R.", initials of his given name and family name, Konstantin Romanov.