Princesse Moustache
Russian noble
Died when: 96 years 337 days (1163 months)Star Sign: Capricorn
Princess Natalya Petrovna Golitsyna (née Countess Chernyshyova;Russian: Княгиня Наталья Петровна Голицына née Графиня Чернышёва; 28 January 1741 – 1 January 1838) was a Russian noblewoman, lady-in-waiting, socialite, and Dame of the Order of St.
Catherine's first degree.Born into the noble Chernyshyov family, Natalya Petrovna was the daughter of the diplomat Pyotr Chernyshyov, ambassador to Berlin at the time of her birth.
She moved with the family to London, following her father's duties as ambassador to the royal courts of Europe, and returned to Russia for periods.
Appointed one of Empress Catherine the Great's maids of honour in 1762, she married Prince Vladimir Borisovich Golitsyn in 1766.Taking charge of the management of his estates, she greatly increased the family's fortunes, before the couple moved abroad with their family for their education.
They settled in Paris, where Natalya became a darling of the French court, nicknamed the "Moscow Venus".Returning to Russia during the French Revolution, the family established itself in St Petersburg.
Princess Golitsyna continued her socialising, establishing a popular salon that became an important focal point of the court.She continued to receive the attentions of the Russian emperors, being awarded orders of nobility, and mixing with the highest echelons of society.
Popular in public, though regarded as somewhat autocratic, she took especial care of her children, enforcing strict rules and standards of behaviour.
Her influence and control over their lives was such that even in adult life they were afraid to sit in front of her, and she continued to manage the family estates and finances.
Despite being Governor-General of Moscow, her son Dmitry had to have the Emperor intercede on his behalf for a raise in the allowance she gave him.
In later life she became known in society as "Princesse Moustache" as her facial hair became more prominent.She was an inspiration for the countess in Alexander Pushkin's short story The Queen of Spades, another nickname that became attached to her.
She died at the age of 96, having been a part of the Imperial court through the lives of five Emperors and Empresses.
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