The wealthiest man of the Russian Empire, a prominent figure and former favorite of Catherine II, married the richest bride in St. Petersburg. However, this wedding took place quietly. They tried not to publicize it because marrying first cousins was against the laws of Orthodox canon. Ekaterina Nikolaevna Zinovyeva, his cousin, spent her childhood in the magnificent family estate of Konkovo near Moscow, which was purchased by Ekaterina's mother from the Vorontsov family. It is said that Grigory Orlov had feelings for Ekaterina even during her childhood. Grigory was 24 years older than his sister. He had long noticed how his relative was blossoming before his eyes, how intelligent, talented, and full of joy she was. No one took Grigory's subtle advances seriously, except for Catherine II.
The young girl quickly became a victim of court intrigues, and as she grew older, she also caught the attention of the illegitimate son of the empress and Count Orlov, Alexei Bobrinsky. "Little Bobrinsky says that Katya has more intelligence than all the other women and maidens in the city. They wanted to know the basis for his opinion. He said that, in his view, it was proven simply by the fact that she used less rouge and fewer jewels than others. In the opera, he planned to break the grille of his box because it obstructed his view of Katya and his visibility to her." Over time, Catherine II and Count Orlov separated, Count Bobrinsky was sent abroad to study, and at the age of 15, Katya became an orphan, inheriting her parents' estate. Ekaterina went to live in Konkovo, where Grigory Orlov, who had by then received the title of Serene Prince, often visited. It was rumored that the empress tried to buy the estate to separate the lovers, but whether this was true or just malicious gossip remains unknown. It is also unknown how the relationship between the relatives began. The young lady refused potential suitors.
She did not hide her feelings for Grigory. Shcherbatov wrote in his book that Ekaterina Zinovyeva was married to Prince Orlov against her will, although Grigory did eventually marry her. In 1777, when Ekaterina was 19 years old and Orlov was 43, the lovers got married. In high society, it was whispered that this scandalous union violated all moral norms, and as soon as news of their modest wedding reached St. Petersburg, their marriage was annulled. Catherine II intervened on behalf of the newlyweds. Why? Probably out of pity for her former favorite or a sense of duty. Or perhaps to ensure that Orlov would forget the empress and leave her in peace. The empress recognized the marriage as valid. The newly titled Princess Orlova was invited to the court and included in the staff of the Empress's ladies-in-waiting. Society was stunned by Catherine II's decision, but it was futile to argue against the will of the Tsarina. The Orlovs went on a tour of Europe and, upon their return to St. Petersburg, led a secluded and peaceful life. Grigory's only desire was to have a child, whom he would raise himself. It was decided that Princess Orlova would seek treatment at European resorts. Unfortunately, her health deteriorated further. Ekaterina suffered from consumption, which claimed her life at the age of 22. She passed away in the arms of Grigory. Prince Orlov mourned his deceased wife for a long time. Grigory brought Ekaterina's body in a lead coffin to St. Petersburg. After the funeral, he retreated to his estate, where he starved himself and lost his sanity, regressing into childhood. Two years later, he passed away. Such was the brief story of fleeting happiness between the two lovers.