His sister was Catherine Charlotte, (1639–1678), Princess of Monaco and one time mistress of Louis XIV of France.

In 1672, he joined Louis XIV and the Great Condé in the Franco-Dutch War and covered himself in glory when he swam across the Rhine, and the whole army followed his example.

He was part of the entourage of Philippe de France, who was bisexual, where many reckoned him the handsomest man at court.

[citation needed] It is generally accepted that he became the lover of Princess Henrietta, Philippe's wife, but for a time he also paid court to Louise de La Vallière.

[3] In the latter novel, he is included in the entourage of Prince Philippe, and takes a central part in the tangled web of romantic intrigues which engulf the court.