Yekaterina Nelidova

Nelidova graduated from the Smolny Institute in 1776 and became a lady-in-waiting, first to Grand Duchess Natalya and then to Grand Duchess Maria alongside her friend and fellow graduate Natalya Borshchova.

She had a relationship with Grand Duke Paul, the future monarch, and acted as a successful mediator between him and people he was in conflict with.

Nelidova was also noted for her dramatic talents, which endeared her to the crown prince, who liked to stage operas with the participation of people he was close with.

[1] There are sources that refer to her as "Little Monster", a description attributed to Catherine on account of Nelidova's physical appearance.

Paul's defense of Nelidova was even documented amid issues of social conformity at Catherine the Great's court.