In 1863 Phillipe joined the imperial guard as an honorary captain. He served in several garrisons before being promoted to Colonel in 1870. In 1870 he also was posted to Egypt and fought during the Arab revolt of 1873 - 75. In 1879 he returned home to France and became its youngest major general a year later. In 1881 he was made commander of the garrison at Toulon. In 1883 he was retired from active service and married his cousin Maria. In 1885 he was promoted to General and became commander of the 4th army, based at Rheims. In 1887 he stood by his uncle at his coronation ceremony and was made commander at the imperial palace. In 1889 he was made a Marshal of France and became commander of french troops in China, he also had a son, Victor. In 1891 he returned to France for his cousin's cor