Illegitimacy
Catherine’s clandestine pregnancy with her third child and the subsequent birth unfolded as a carefully orchestrated plan. To conceal the pregnancy and facilitate the birth, Catherine enlisted the help of her loyal valet, Vasiliy Shkurin. Shkurin set his own house on fire, exploiting Peter’s pyromaniac tendencies to draw him away, allowing Catherine to give birth discreetly. Shkurin assumed the role of the boy’s guardian, concealing the fact that he was Catherine’s son. The child was given the village of Bobrikovo, providing him with an income and eventually leading to the surname Bobrinsky.
The question of whether Alexey, Catherine’s third child, was aware of his true heritage remained unresolved. As he matured, he exhibited reckless behavior, drawing criticism from Catherine. Despite his early indiscretions, Alexey later found redemption and recognition, leaving a complex legacy that mirrored the tumultuous nature of his birth.
