Count Mikhail Vorontsov was born on May 19, 1782, in St. Petersburg. He spent his childhood and youth in London, where his father, Semyon Romanovich, provided him with an excellent education. Even as an infant, Vorontsov was enrolled in the Life Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment, and at the age of four, he received the rank of ensign.

In 1803, he was assigned to the Caucasian troops under the command of Prince Tsitsianov and participated in the storming of Ganja on January 3, 1804. On January 15 of the same year, he narrowly escaped death in the Zakatala Gorge. For his bravery during the siege of Erivan on August 28, 1804, Vorontsov was awarded the Order of Saint George, 4th class.

In 1805, as a brigade major, he went to Swedish Pomerania, where he participated in the blockade of the fortress of Hameln. In 1806, he took part in the battle near Pultusk, and in 1807, he commanded a battalion in the battle of Friedland. In 1809, Vorontsov led the Narva Infantry Regiment and participated in the storming of Bazardzhik in Turkey. In 1810, he fought near Shumla and captured several cities in the Balkans.

In 1811, Vorontsov participated in battles near Ruschuk and Calafat, as well as in a successful operation near Vidin, for which he was awarded the Order of Saint George, 3rd class, on March 10, 1812. During the Patriotic War of 1812, he fought near Smolensk and Borodino, where his division suffered heavy losses but held its positions. Vorontsov was wounded and went for treatment to his estate, where he cared for the wounded, spending significant funds on this.

After recovering, he returned to service and was appointed to Chichagov's army. In the 1814 campaign, Vorontsov distinguished himself in the battle of Craonne and was awarded the Order of Saint George, 2nd class. In Paris, he commanded a detachment that occupied the suburb of La Villette.

In 1815 and 1818, Vorontsov commanded the occupation corps in France, where he introduced rules limiting corporal punishment and organized schools for soldiers. He also paid off his subordinates' debts to local residents.

In 1818, Vorontsov represented Russia at the Congress of Aachen and received the Grand Cross of the English Order of the Bath. Upon returning to Russia, he commanded the 3rd Infantry Corps and became the Governor-General of New Russia in 1823. Under his leadership, Odessa and Crimea developed, agriculture and winemaking improved, and roads and palaces were built.

Vorontsov also contributed to the development of industry and steam navigation on the Black Sea. He was elected an honorary member of the Imperial Academy of Sciences and participated in negotiations with Turkey, signing the Akkerman Convention.

In 1828, Vorontsov led the troops besieging Varna and facilitated the supply of the army in Turkey. During his governorship in Odessa, Alexander Pushkin was in exile, and Vorontsov had a tense relationship with him.

Vorontsov supported architects and contributed to the construction of public buildings. In 1844, he became the commander-in-chief in the Caucasus and undertook a campaign against Shamil. Despite difficulties, he was elevated to princely dignity.

In 1848, Vorontsov achieved success in Dagestan and founded the Caucasian Educational District and the city of Yeisk. In 1852, he was granted the title of Excellency. In 1853, feeling his health deteriorating, he left Tiflis.

Vorontsov died on November 6, 1856, in Odessa. He was buried in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, and among the soldiers, stories of his simplicity and accessibility remained. Vorontsov left a significant legacy in the history of Russia.