In his early life, the prince received several military promotions and honours; on 16 January 1748 he became a member of the Order of the Black Eagle, and on 20 September 1764 he became captain and company commander of the 1st Battalion Guard of the Gardes du Corps.

In September 1764 he was made Colonel of the 2nd Cuirassier Regiment, and on 26 April 1767 he was promoted to Major General by Frederick II.

At the age of 17, Colonel Hans von Blumenthal, commander of the Gardes du Corps, became the prince's governor.

As a result, he and his brother Frederick William spent much time at the Colonel's estate at Paretz.

However, in May 1767 he was leading his unit to Berlin for a parade and review when he stopped at the von Kleist estate of Protzen.