Axel fersen biography

Axel von Fersen Biography

In 1779 he entered the French military service Royal-Bavière, accompanied General Rochambeau to America as his adjutant, served as interpreter between him and General Washington, distinguished himself during the war with England, notably at the siege of Yorktown, 1781, and in 1785 was promoted to be colonel proprietaire of the regiment Royal-Suédois.

Fersen's relationship with Marie Antoinette
The young nobleman was, from the first, a prime favourite at the French court, owing partly to the recollection of his father's devotion to France, but principally because of his own amiable and brilliant qualities.

Queen Marie Antoinette, who had first met Fersen when they both were age 16, was especially attracted by the grace and wit of "le beau" Fersen, who had inherited his