Career
In 1782 Zubov joined the Horse Guards regiment where he became known for his gigantic height, physical strength and fiery temper. He hoped to become the first to congratulate Paul on his prospective accession to the throne. On hearing the news of his arrival, Paul refused to see the courtier.
In short order, the Zubov brothers were exiled from court and little was heard about them until November 1800, when Nicholas was permitted to return to Saint St. Petersburg.
On the night of 11 March 1801 the plotters broke into Paul"s bedroom in Saint Michael"s Castle, and Zubov struck the emperor down with a heavy snuffbox, whereupon he was strangled by his accomplices. Zubov died four years after the regicide.
Among his descendants was Count Valentin Platonovich Zubov (1884–1969) who founded the Gatchina museum and authored several books about Tsar Paul and his reign.