France’s Enigmatic Chevalier d'Eon: Cross-Dresser, Spy & Master of Deception

French Emperor Louis XV created one of the earliest secret services in history, the Secret du Roi (the King’s Secret), and in the midst of war with England recruited one of its most famous spies, Chevalier d'Éon.

Born Charles Geneviève Louis Auguste André Thimothée d'Eon de Beaumont in 1728, the Chevalier grew up in a minor aristocratic family. Tracing the Chevalier's story is difficult, as the British Museum notes, as there are conflicting accounts about D'Éon's life mingled with speculation and rumor.

It appears Charles de Beaumont's standout moment occurred at Versailles when, invited to a costume ball by the Countess of Rochefort, the Chevalier appeared dressed as a woman. The disguise prompted the Prince of Conti to recruit him into the Secret du Roi.

Dispatched to Russia in 1755 - and disguised as a woman - the Chevalier undertook a mission to persuade the Russian Empress Elizabeth I to ally with France against the English and Prussians. 

Demonstrating remarkable skill, D’Eon reportedly alternated between two personas: Lia de Beaumont, a transvestite integrated into the empress's cabinet, and Charles de Beaumont, her brother. This dual role facilitated the alliance between Russia and France. Charles de Beaumont returned to France, presenting Russia's plan of attack against the Prussians.

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