Michael Gabriel Fredersdorf

Michael Gabriel Fredersdorf (1708 in Gartz – January 12, 1758 in Potsdam, then Prussia, now Brandenburg, Germany), is famous as the longest-standing valet and companion of Frederick II of Prussia. The two met when the future Frederick II was still in prison for having attempted to run off with his former companion, Hans Hermann von Katte. At the time, Fredersdorf was four years older than the heir to the throne.

Both contemporaries and historians have speculated that Fredersdorf and Frederick II had a homosexual relationship, yet there is no definitive proof. Voltaire would later describe the relationship in his Memoires as, "This soldier, young, handsome, well made, and who played the flute, served to entertain the prisoner in more than one fashion." Frederick named Fredersdorf his valet, then director of the royal theatre, and eventually chancellor of Prussia. This last move shocked Prussian snobs, as Fredersdorf had been the heir of a peasant and the title of chancellor brought with it an estate.

Fredersdorf eventually sought to marry, a move which disenchanted the king. Frederick wrote him, "Have your marriage ceremony today rather than tomorrow if that will contribute to your care and comfort; and if you want to keep a little page and a little scout with you as well, do so."

Sources

"Homosexuality and Civilization" by Louis Crompton