Charles joined the Danish army in 1701 and fought in the War of the Spanish Succession.

On 10 March 1710, he distinguished himself at the Battle of Helsingborg and was promoted to Major General.

He then joined the French army and was appointed Lieutenant General on 13 March 1721.

He later joined the Imperial military service, where he achieved the rank of Field Marshal.

Charles married on 24 November 1725 in Eisenach Princess Caroline Christine (1699–1743), daughter of Duke John William III of Saxe-Eisenach, with whom he had the following children: