Hans Henric von Essen

Who was Hans Henric von Essen?

Count Hans Henrik von Essen was a Swedish officer, courtier and statesman.

Hans Henrik von Essen was born at Kavlås Castle in Tidaholm Municipality, Västra Götaland County, Sweden. He was educated at Uppsala University. He entered the army becoming a cornet at age 18. He accompanied Gustav III in his travels and campaigns. He accompanied Gustav III at the 1792 masquerade ball at the Royal Opera House in Stockholm on March 16, 1792 where the king was shot and mortally injured. Hans Henrik von Essen was credited with immediately ordering the doors to the ball room to be locked, in order not to let the assassin get away.

In 1788, Hans Henric von Essen was the center of a scandal at the royal court. He had for about then years been involved in a relationship with the famous lady-in-waiting Augusta von Fersen. In 1788, however, he proposed to Charlotta Eleonora De Geer and was accepted. His proposal was met with great dislike within the royal court because of sympathy with the popular Augusta von Fersen, and he was challenged to a duel by captain count Adolph Ribbing.