The Coup

Catherine is finally in open conflict with her crowned husband. There is already an order for her arrest. Not wanting to trigger a new outbreak of anger, Catherine travels to Peterhof. Meanwhile, everything in the city is already prepared for a coup. Peter III learns about his wife’s escape. He is shocked by what happened and hesitates for a long time, not knowing what to do, but in the end he sails to Kronstadt. The conspirators also remember the maritime stronghold. Admiral Talyzin sails to Kronstadt, and Catherine gives Potemkin to help him. They manage to arrest the emperor’s emissary and the commandant and bring the naval crews to swear allegiance. The unfortunate Peter III is forced to return to Oranienbaum and surrender to the mercy of Catherine—who has already risen to march against him…

“Coup” is the third novel in the cycle devoted to the youth of Catherine the Great.