Paul Petrovich Romanov, son theoretically of Peter III and Catherine II (Catherine the Great). Paul Petrovich Romanov's birth and death are still the subjects of controversy. The identity of his father is still hotly debated by scholars, while the extent of the involvement of his eldest son, Alexander Pavlovich , in his murder is yet unclear. He played a minor role in the life of the Alexander Palace, but his life and death are nonetheless interesting to contemplate. Since he succeeded his mother, Catherine the Great, there has been a tendency to dismiss him as she did, both personally and politically.

Catherine faced a dilemma with her son. She needed him alive and well to maintain her fragile relationship with the Romanov family. On the other hand, she and Paul despised and mistrusted each other. Most importantly, he held her responsible for the murder of his father, Tsar Peter III, in 1762. She thought him stupid and ugly. The later was certainty true, but not the former. Something had to be done with Paul, and it was impossible for the Tsarina to share her power with him, or train to him in statescraft. So, she decided he should be married as means of keeping him occupied.

After his first marriage ended in the death of his unfaithful wife in childbirth, he married Princess Sophia Dorothea of Wurttemberg on September 26, 1776. Paul's second German bride, was born on October 25, 1759. The princess, who took the Russian name Maria Feodorovna, was serious and purposeful. She and Paul had 10 children in all over a 22 year period. It was a feat of royal childbirth which few could equal. Among their children were two future tsars, Alexander I, and Nikolai I, and two future queens, Catherine of Wurttemberg and Anna of the Netherlands. The present Dutch royal family is descended from Anna Pavlovna, who is still greatly loved in her adopted country. He was murdered in a palace coup.