Did Catherine the Great have any mistresses?

Yes, Catherine the Great had several lovers during her reign as Empress of Russia. Among her notable mistresses were Grigory Potemkin, a prominent statesman and military leader, and Sergei Saltykov, who was believed to be her first significant romantic involvement. Catherine's relationships often influenced her political decisions and helped her consolidate power. Despite her affairs, she maintained a strong public image as a dedicated ruler.