WI Peter III dies before Elizabeth of Russia?

Inspired by the "No Miracle of Brandenbug thread":

If Peter III had died before Elizabeth's death - let's say he suffers an accident in late 1761 - would Catherine be able to seize the throne for herself? Or would the young Paul be declared the new Tsar after Elizabeth, making Catherine only a regent?
 
Inspired by the "No Miracle of Brandenbug thread":

If Peter III had died before Elizabeth's death - let's say he suffers an accident in late 1761 - would Catherine be able to seize the throne for herself? Or would the young Paul be declared the new Tsar after Elizabeth, making Catherine only a regent?

The Russian nobility would be split; some (most likely including some of Catherine's lovers) would support her, while others would only accept her as a mere regent for her son.
 
Legally, Paul as Tsar and Catherine as Regent would be the most likely solution. It has to be seen, though wether Elizabeth left a will of sort.
 
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