Elisabeth of Austria: Unraveling the Life of a Bavarian Princess Turned Empress
In part 1 of a 2 part series, we meet Sisi aka, Elisabeth of Austria. Born a free-spirited Bavarian princess who loved horseback riding, poetry, and avoiding responsibility, Elisabeth never expected to become Empress of one of the largest and most rigid empires in Europe. But at just 15 years old, she caught the eye of Emperor Franz Joseph, married into the ultra-strict Habsburg court, and immediately found herself trapped in a gilded cage — complete with a controlling mother-in-law from hell, Archduchess Sophie.
In this episode, we cover Elisabeth’s unconventional upbringing, her whirlwind marriage, the brutal realities of court life in Vienna, and the early cracks that would shape her tragic legacy. Expect Princess Diana vibes, imperial drama, and a reminder that being “beautiful” has never been enough for women in history.
Cocktail: strawberries soaked in vodka with rose water and club soda 🍓🌹
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction from The Exploress aka Kate Armstrong
01:27 Meet Elisabeth aka Sisi: A Bavarian Princess
02:54 Elisabeth's Early Life and Family Background
21:12 The Austrian Court and Marriage Prospects
26:56 Franz Joseph's Proposal and Engagement
37:20 Crash Course in Empress Training
38:47 Marriage and Royal Wedding
40:26 Life as a Young Empress
42:06 Motherhood and Court Struggles
52:33 Travel and Political Influence
59:24 Tragedy Strikes
01:03:15 Grief and Recovery
01:11:43 Health Decline and Escape
01:15:22 Catch you in part 2!
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