Emily Chan
Next, there was Stanislaus Poniatowski, a Polish nobleman, who fathered one of her daughters. After him came Russian lieutenant Grigory Orlov, who is believed to be the father of one of her sons.
When Elizabeth died in 1761 on Christmas Day, Peter III ascended the throne. During this time, Catherine was in a relationship with Orlov.
He helped her remove her husband from his seat on the throne so she could claim it for herself. In exchange for his help, she granted him the title of Count and gave him a palace. Their relationship ended in 1772 after she discovered his affairs with other women.
From 1772 to 1774, she dated Alexander Vasilchikov, a man who didn’t hold a candle to her next and most favorite lover, Grigory Potemkin.
He was part of the guard that overthrew her husband. The minor nobleman made a name for himself as a great military leader during the Russo-Turkish War.
He was 10 years younger than Catherine and was missing one eye, but he had a lot of charm. Love letters between him and Catherine showed that they were very devoted to one another.
Aside from their romantic passion, the two of them also shared an interest in politics. They worked together to annex Crimea and built the Russian Black Sea Fleet, elevating the country’s naval power.
Their relationship ended in 1776, but they remained close, and their letters continued until his death. She mourned his passing deeply.
Afterward, she was involved with several other men, but none of them really lasted. Following the breakups, she always sent her exes generous parting gifts. Catherine never married again, as she did not want to split her power.
