[1] Between 1662 and 1664, Starhemberg worked as a chamberlain for Archduke Charles Joseph of Austria and Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor.

[1] Starhemberg, as a general of the cavalry later led troops during the Siege of Visegrád, part of the Great Turkish War.

[1] Starhemberg was later distinguished by the royal family for his efforts during the siege, which successfully pushed the Ottomans out of Visegrád.

[1] Starhemberg, alongside his brother Ernst, led Imperial troops against a besieged Ottoman force during the unsuccessful siege of Buda the same year.

Before joining the Imperial Army, Starhemberg signed a marriage contract that ensured his wife would be taken care of in the event of his death.