Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known by her nickname Sisi, was born on December 24, 1837, in Munich, Germany. She was born a duchess into the royal Bavarian House of Wittelsbach. Her childhood home was Possenhofen Castle on Lake Starnberg in Bavaria, where she spent her early years surrounded by luxury and privilege.
From a young age, Elisabeth was known for her beauty and grace. She was a talented horsewoman and loved spending time outdoors, exploring the lands around her family's castle. Despite her royal upbringing, Elisabeth was known for her independent spirit and rebellious nature.
On April 24, 1854, Elisabeth married Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, becoming Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary. The marriage was arranged for political reasons, but Elisabeth and Franz Joseph soon developed a deep and enduring love for each other.
Their union produced four children: Archduchess Sophie, Archduchess Gisela, Crown Prince Rudolf, and Archduchess Marie Valerie. Elisabeth was a devoted mother, often spending time with her children and ensuring they received the best education and upbringing.
Elisabeth's reign as Empress of Austria was marked by her beauty, elegance, and charitable works. She was known for her long, flowing brown hair, which became a trademark feature in her painted portraits. Her hair, which reached her ankles, was meticulously cared for by her hairdresser, Franziska Feifalik, who spent hours styling it into intricate braids and updos.
Elisabeth was also a patron of the arts and supported numerous charitable causes throughout the Austrian Empire. She was beloved by the people for her compassion and kindness, often visiting hospitals and orphanages to provide comfort and assistance to those in need.
Tragically, Elisabeth's life came to a sudden and violent end on September 10, 1898, when she was stabbed by an assassin while traveling through Geneva, Switzerland. The assassination shocked the world and plunged Austria-Hungary into mourning.
Elisabeth's death marked the end of a remarkable reign that had spanned 44 years, making her the longest-reigning Austrian Empress in history. Her legacy lives on through the numerous adaptations of her story in film and television, where she has been portrayed by actresses like Romy Schneider, Arielle Dombasle, and Cristiana Capotondi.