He came from a Prussian military family that produced several generals and politicians, including his father Generalmajor Emil von Kessel.

He attended various schools, including the Liegnitz Ritter-Akademie, and in 1864 enlisted in the 1st Foot Guards; being commissioned as Sekondeleutnant a year later.

Later he became adjutant to the crown prince Friedrich Wilhelm, who'd briefly rule as Emperor Frederick III before dying from cancer.

With the later's son Wilhelm II ascending to the throne; von Kessel again served the sovereign as adjutant.

From 1909 onwards von Kessel was Military Governor of Berlin and the surrounding province, serving on said post throughout World War I.