Axel von Fersen the Younger

Swedish politician (1755-1810)

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Lived 1755–1810, aged 55Sweden

Sweden PoliticiansPolitician

Wikipedia
24 languages
Cross-language footprint
Era
1755–1810
Aged 55
Awards
4
recognised works

Summary

Updated 2026-06-21

A Swedish count who doubled as Marie Antoinette's trusted confidant and the man who tried to spirit the French royal family out of revolutionary Paris — then paid for his proximity to a doomed throne when a Stockholm mob tore him apart over a lie.

Biography

About

Hans Axel von Fersen was born on 4 September 1755 into one of Sweden's wealthiest noble families, steeped in French manners and courtly polish. He fought as an aide-de-camp in the American Revolutionary War, but his name stuck to history for what came after: a debated, possibly romantic bond with Marie Antoinette and his role masterminding the royal family's failed flight to Varennes in June 1791. When the Revolution devoured the Bourbons, von Fersen turned diplomat for successive Swedish kings, angling for a restoration that never came. Back home he rose to Marshal of the Realm and Chancellor…

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