Which French general commanded the Imperial Guard at the Battle of Waterloo?

Antoine Drouot commanded the French Imperial Guard at the Battle of Waterloo. He served as its acting commander because Marshal Édouard Mortier, the Guard’s formal commander, was absent with a severe attack of sciatica.

Drouot was a highly respected artillery officer and had become an aide-major général, effectively the Guard’s second-in-command. His role at Waterloo was broader than artillery leadership: he coordinated the Imperial Guard during Napoleon’s final campaign and remained with the Emperor during the battle’s collapse.

Napoleon was the overall commander of the French army, while Drouot directed the Guard’s formations. Other famous generals commanded individual Guard elements: Louis Friant led the Grenadier Division, Charles Morand led the Chasseur Division, and Guillaume Duhesme led the Young Guard.

A common mix-up is to credit Michel Ney, who commanded French forces on the left wing, or Louis Friant, who led the Old Guard grenadiers. Drouot’s temporary command of the entire Guard is the distinction the question asks about.