"Prince" was simply a title of Russian nobility, comparable to "duke" in western and central Europe. Many Russian princes were descendants of medieval rulers of the numerous semi-independent principalities which appeared after the disintegration of the Kievan Rus. Over time, the princes lost their political power but the title remained. In addition, the Tsar could bestow the title on anyone in recognition for outstanding service. A famous example was Mikhail Kutuzov, the general in command of the Russian Army during the war against Napoleon in 1812. The Tsar honored him with the title of "Knyaz" or Prince.

Princes were not members of the immediate royal family. For them, the title of "Great (or Grand) Prince" was reserved. For the heir apparent, there was a special title, "Tsarevich".

The word "Prince" should not be taken literally. It is a translation of the Russan word "Knyaz" (which is cognate with the Germanic word for King).