Royal Sex: Catherine the Great

Podcast: Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Host: Kate Lister
Guest: Virginia Rounding, Author of Catherine the Great: Love, Sex and Power
Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Betwixt The Sheets, host Kate Lister delves deep into the tumultuous and passionate life of Catherine the Great, the longest-reigning empress of Russia. Joined by historian Virginia Rounding, the discussion uncovers the intertwining of Catherine's personal relationships with her political prowess, challenging long-standing myths and shedding light on the enigmatic empress.

Early Life and Marriage to Peter

Catherine the Great, originally named Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst, was born into the lesser nobility in a small principality that later became part of Germany. At the tender age of 14, she was sent to Russia to marry Peter, the heir to the Russian throne. This arranged marriage was heavily influenced by her mother, Joanna, who had familial connections to Empress Elizabeth of Russia.

Quote:
"Catherine was quite determined that [her conversion to Orthodoxy] wasn't going to stand in her way." – Virginia Rounding [09:20]

Despite the grandeur of their wedding, Catherine and Peter's marriage remained unconsummated for seven years due to their youthful inexperience and uncertainty about their roles.

Struggles in Marriage and the Quest for an Heir

The prolonged lack of intimacy in Catherine and Peter's marriage led to immense pressure from Empress Elizabeth to produce an heir. Peter's reluctance and Catherine's growing desire for personal fulfillment created a tense household dynamic.

Quote:
"After about seven years of desperation, the woman who was in charge of their household finally told Elizabeth... that they don't have sex." – Virginia Rounding [16:52]

Eventually, with the intervention of a young widow employed by Elizabeth, Peter learned to consummate the marriage, leading to the birth of their son, Paul. However, uncertainties lingered about the paternity of Paul, as Catherine had also fallen deeply in love with Sergei Saltykov during this period.

Peter's Brief and Ineffectual Reign

Upon Empress Elizabeth's death in 1761, Peter ascended to the throne but proved to be an ineffective ruler. His inability to navigate the complex political landscape of Russia led to disastrous decisions, including capitulating in the Seven Years' War and dismissing the Orthodox Church's authority.

Quote:
"He [Peter] had no idea what to do or didn't occur to him as supposed to do anything." – Kate Lister [15:06]

Peter's short reign destabilized the Russian court, setting the stage for Catherine's eventual takeover.

Catherine's Coup and Ascension to Power

Recognizing Peter's inadequacies, Catherine, with the support of British Ambassador Sir Charles Hanbury Williams and influential courtiers, orchestrated a bloodless coup. Utilizing her relationships with key figures, including her lover Grigori Arlolf and his brothers in the Guards regiments, Catherine secured her position as Empress.

Quote:
"It's a proper coup. This is petyr, just go over there for a bit, and I'll consolidate more and more power." – Kate Lister [32:20]

Peter's attempt to reclaim power was swiftly quelled, leading to his arrest and subsequent death under mysterious circumstances, officially attributed to a severe hemorrhoid attack.

Catherine's Reign: Policies and Achievements

As Empress, Catherine the Great implemented numerous enlightened reforms. She modernized the Russian legal system, promoted education (especially for girls), and expanded Russian territories, often incorporating loyal subjects from diverse regions.

Quote:
"She was civilizing in a way that subsequent generations might find more difficult, post colonialism and all that kind of thing." – Virginia Rounding [39:13]

Catherine also fostered a cultural renaissance, becoming a patron of the arts and a friend to Enlightenment philosophers like Voltaire and Diderot.

Personal Life and Relationships

Catherine's personal life was as dynamic as her political career. She maintained relationships with several younger men, balancing genuine affection with political strategy. Her most notable relationships include:

• Sergei Saltykov: An early love who may have fathered her son, Paul.
• Stanisław Poniatowski: An educated and elegant courtier who bore her a daughter.
• Grigori Arlov: A devout and ambitious lover who played a pivotal role in her coup.
• Alexander Lanskoy: A beloved young man whose untimely death deeply affected Catherine.

These relationships were often intertwined with her political ambitions, as lovers could serve as valuable allies or, conversely, sources of vulnerability.

Quote:
"She was absolutely devoted to a young man called Alexander Lanskoy... He died young of diphtheria, and she was completely devastated." – Virginia Rounding [46:45]

Catherine's ability to maintain power while indulging in personal relationships underscores her prowess as both a ruler and a woman navigating the complexities of court life.

Debunking Myths: Catherine's Death

A persistent myth claims that Catherine the Great died while engaged in an act of bestiality with a horse. However, Virginia Rounding clarifies that Catherine died of a natural stroke, with no horses involved.

Quote:
"She died of a stroke. There were no horses involved." – Virginia Rounding [47:51]

This rumor likely stems from misogynistic attempts to discredit her formidable reputation, emphasizing the challenges powerful women faced in historical narratives.

Legacy and Final Insights

Catherine the Great's legacy is multifaceted. While often remembered for her numerous affairs, her contributions to Russian statecraft, cultural development, and legal reforms were monumental. Virginia Rounding emphasizes Catherine's self-perception as a servant of Russia and her commitment to Enlightenment ideals.

Quote:
"I think her own epitaph, the fact that she saw herself as a servant of Russia... She was a great civilizing influence." – Virginia Rounding [50:01]

Catherine's blend of personal passion and political acumen makes her a compelling figure in history, challenging simplistic interpretations of her life and reign.

Conclusion

This episode of Betwixt The Sheets offers a nuanced portrayal of Catherine the Great, highlighting her as both a passionate individual and a shrewd leader. By debunking myths and exploring the depth of her relationships and policies, Kate Lister and Virginia Rounding present a comprehensive and engaging narrative of one of history's most intriguing empresses.

Notable Quotes

• "Catherine was quite determined that [her conversion to Orthodoxy] wasn't going to stand in her way." – Virginia Rounding [09:20]
• "After about seven years of desperation, the woman who was in charge of their household finally told Elizabeth... that they don't have sex." – Virginia Rounding [16:52]
• "He [Peter] had no idea what to do or didn't occur to him as supposed to do anything." – Kate Lister [15:06]
• "It's a proper coup. This is petyr, just go over there for a bit, and I'll consolidate more and more power." – Kate Lister [32:20]
• "She was civilizing in a way that subsequent generations might find more difficult, post colonialism and all that kind of thing." – Virginia Rounding [39:13]
• "She was absolutely devoted to a young man called Alexander Lanskoy... He died young of diphtheria, and she was completely devastated." – Virginia Rounding [46:45]
• "She died of a stroke. There were no horses involved." – Virginia Rounding [47:51]
• "I think her own epitaph, the fact that she saw herself as a servant of Russia... She was a great civilizing influence." – Virginia Rounding [50:01]

Further Listening

Tune in to upcoming episodes of Betwixt The Sheets as Kate Lister explores other legendary figures such as Queen Victoria, Marie Antoinette, Cleopatra, and Elizabeth I, unraveling the intertwining of their personal lives with historical impact.