Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor
Jacques Philippe came from the House of Choiseul, a noble family dating back to the 12th century and originating in Choiseul in Haute-Marne. This famous family produced five marshals, one cardinal, two bishops and several statesmen. As a young man he served in the army of empress Maria Theresa and after becoming captain in a dragoon regiment he was made a commander of the Order of Saint Stephen, chamberlain to Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor, colonel of a regiment of light cavalry, major general and lieutenant field marshal in 1759.