Nikita's father was Prince Grigory Volkonsky [ru], one of Suvorov's leading generals.
In 1810, Nikita married Princess Zinaida Beloselskaya-Belozerskaya (1792-1862) - writer, poet, singer and composer, Princess was a prominent figure of the Russian cultural life of the first half of the 19th century and was also a Catholic convert from Russian Orthodoxy.
He participated in the battles against the Turks, won several awards, including a gold sword "for his bravery."
On 6 December 1827 was promoted to Jägermeister, in Russia corresponding the position of full general, listing a Privy Councillor.
At the end of his life, converted to Catholicism from his Orthodox religion by birth and moved to Italy.