Peter Karl Christoph von Keith
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (May 2021) |
Page Peter Karl Christoph von Keith | |
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| Born | 24 May 1711 |
| Died | 27 December 1756 (aged 45) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Citizenship | Prussian |
| Family | Keith |
Peter Karl Christoph von Keith (24 May 1711 – 27 December 1756) was a Prussian statesman, military officer, and confidant of Crown Prince Frederick II, later known as Frederick the Great. Christoph was of a branch of the Scottish Clan Keith, which granted him noble status, and was descendant from Scottish emigrants residing in Pomerania. Christoph was initially introduced to the Prussian aristocracy by becoming a page to King Frederick William I.
Life[]
Although born in Farther Pomerania, Christoph was ethnically Scottish as his family had come to Pomerania via Sweden, Christoph was introduced to Crown Prince Frederick during his time as a page to Frederick William, and by age 17 quickly became close with him due to a mutual fear of the king. There is speculation that Frederick had interest in a homosexual relationship with Christoph, however the matter would never be settled with absolute certainty. Christoph frequently provided the Crown Prince with information regarding the Crown Prince's standing with Frederick William.[1]
Although Christoph was initially within good standing of Frederick William I, he rapidly fell out of favour once rumour was spread that he had an intimate relationship with the Crown Prince, after which Christoph was promoted to an officer in the army, and was appointed to a regiment close to Cleves in order to separate him from the crown prince.[2]
Later in 1730, Christoph briefly returned to Pomerania as he attempted to aid the Crown Prince in his escape to England with Hans Herman von Katte. Although by the time he arrived the plot was discovered. Christoph narrowly evaded treason charges brought down by Frederick William I by fleeing to The Hague seeking the protection of Lord Chesterfield, an English envoy. After which he fled to England. As he no longer could be punished, Frederick William I hanged Christoph's effigy symbolically.[3]
Christoph died on 27 December 1756.
References[]
- ^ Margravine of Baireuth, Wilhelmine (1888). Memoirs of Wilhelmine, Margravine of Baireuth. Harper and Brothers. pp. 83–84.
- ^ Margravine of Baireuth, Wilhelmine (1888). Memoirs of Wilhelmine, Margravine of Baireuth. Harper & Brothers. p. 101.
- ^ Margravine of Baireuth, Wilhelmine (1888). Memoirs of Wilhelmine, Margravine of Baireuth. Harper & Brothers. p. 146.
- 1711 births
- 1756 deaths
- Prussian Army personnel
- Prussian military officers
- 18th-century Prussian military personnel
- German people of Scottish descent