As a youth Churchill was a page to Christian V of Denmark, and served Prince George, later husband to Queen Anne. At the battle of Neerwinden, 1693, he had the good fortune to capture his nephew the Duke of Berwick, son of James II by his sister Arabella. He ably supported his brother on the continent, especially at Blenheim, when he led allied troops to force the passge of the river Nebel. When Marlborough captured Brussels, Charles was made governor, and was C-in-C in the Netherlands in his brother's absence.