Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky was a military personnel and the son of Catherine the Great of Russia. She had him with Grigory Orlov, a Russian state and army figure and one of Empress Catherine’s favorites. Alexei was born on April 11, 1762, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, a few months before the then-ruler of Russia, Peter III, was overthrown. Catherine and Grigory had been seeing each other for a while, and their love proved paramount when they conspired to overthrow Peter III.
Early Life
Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky was born in secrecy to Catherine the Great and her lover, Grigory Orlov. Throughout the pregnancy, Catherine did everything to conceal the pregnancy. Only a few people in court knew that she was expecting a child. Days before giving birth, her loyal servant Vasily Shkurin started a fire to distract the court away from Catherine so that she could give birth in secret.
After giving birth, Catherine put her illegitimate son, Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky, under the care of Vasily Shkurin. For most of his childhood, Alexei stayed away from the palace; this was necessary for his safety and to conceal his true identity. Alexei never knew that he was of royal blood, but it was necessary to avoid political backlash and scandals.
Education
Even though Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky grew up away from the palace, his parents ensured that he received a good education. He had tutors who taught his languages, arts, and sciences. He later developed an interest in astronomy and agriculture. After turning 12, he was sent to Leipzig, Germany, for further education. While in Germany, Alexei was able to broaden his horizons and acquire education, befitting a nobleman.
Acknowledgment and Serving as a Nobleman
Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky has a complicated relationship with his mother, Catherine the Great. She kept a distance for her son’s own protection. She also did it to protect her own position and reputation at the palace. However, in 1781, she finally acknowledged her son and gave him the surname Bobrinsky. Catherine tended to his son’s needs, including financial needs, but kept her distance.
After his formal acknowledgment, Alexei began traveling all over Europe. During his travels, Alexei engaged in several vices, including gambling and lavish parties. He accumulated several debts that his mother was forced to settle. When his mother died, Emperor Paul I, his half-brother, welcomed him to court and appointed him major general. As a general and count, Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky had many roles, and he enjoyed several privileges.
Marriage and Later Life
After a life of traveling, gambling, and partying, Alexei Grigorievich Bobrinsky finally got married in 1796. He married Baroness Anna Dorothea von Ungern-Sternberg, with whom he had three children. This union had a big influence on Alexei’s life, as it brought some balance.
After serving in court as a Count and Major General, Alexei retreated to Bogoroditsk, Tula Province, where he focused on agriculture and pursued his other interests in geography and astronomy. Alexei died on July 2, 1813, in Bogoroditsk, Russia, aged 51.
