Not a drop of Russian blood. A woman in a world ruled by men. A loveless marriage to a man who lacked even a shred of empathy. The odds were always stacked against Catherine the Great when she arrived from Prussia. But this German Princess and child of the Enlightenment was a political genius who possessed charm, beauty and impeccable people skills. All these were needed as she rose to power to become Empress of Russia and ushered in a golden age. Listen as William and Anita are once again joined by Simon Sebag Montefiore to discuss the life of Catherine the Great.

Twitter: @Empirepoduk

Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com

Goalhangerpodcasts.com

Producer: Callum Hill
Exec Producer: Jack Davenport + Neil Fearn
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices