Sisi might have had a great distaste for public life but she spent much time focusing on her looks, with at least two hours a day of hairdressing and a huge amount of exercise. READ MORE: Queen Margrethe: A look at Europe's beloved, and flamboyant, monarch Sisi's beauty was legendary, and she had an obsession with keeping it that way. "Whenever there's something to see they come running, for the monkey dancing at the hurdy-gurdy just as much for me." Her lady-in-waiting Marie Festetics wrote of Sisi's response to the public, It was attention that Sisi did not appreciate. Her mother-in-law/aunt Archduchess Sophie had no tolerance for Sisi's concerns and her dislike of public life, labelling her childish and indulgent.Īccording to historian Brigitte Hamann, Sophie said, "You cannot imagine how charming Sisi is when she cries." Yet the public was besotted with Sisi who was absolutely beautiful, with long chestnut hair. And things didn't improve following the wedding, as she struggled to settle into formal court life.ĭuring the first four years of marriage, Sisi gave birth to three children with two surviving Crown Prince Rudolf and Archduchess Gisela. During their short courtship, Sisi was apparently so nervous, she rarely ate. Her mother and aunt had initially planned for Franz Joseph to marry Sisi's elder sister but Franz only had eyes for the 16-year-old Sisi. It was an idyllic life, spent horse riding and mountain climbing. She developed a great love of Hungary and, in 1867, she was instrumental in establishing the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary.Īs a child, Sisi grew up in Germany with her seven brothers and sisters. Over the years she battled mental illness, grieved the loss of her only son to suicide and was eventually assassinated. (Getty images)įor Sisi, life was not easy. READ MORE: Princess Charlene of Monaco: A closer look at the enigmatic royal Elisabeth was forced to marry her cousin, Emperor Franz Joseph I, at age 16. Her marriage was not unique - there are many stories about reluctant royal brides who are trapped within the walls of a palace and yet forced to live a public life. While thousands of people lined the streets, hoping to see the new empress, Sisi was said to be tearful and terrified about the life ahead of her, and for good reason. Franz Joseph was the absolute monarch of what was at the time the largest empire in Europe outside of Russia. Known by her nickname "Sisi", she was also Queen of Hungary and she was born into the royal Bavarian House of Wittelsbach.ĭuring the official wedding ceremony, Sisi was said to be "trembling and melancholy" as she officially joined European royalty. Empress Elisabeth of Austria was only 16 when she married her first cousin, 23-year-old Emperor Franz Joseph I on April 25, 1854.
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