Crown Prince Rudolf’s death left a young daughter in mourning, but her grandfather, Emperor Franz Joseph, stepped into the breech to become guardian of young Elisabeth Marie, future Archduchess. Though the two were close, Elisabeth was a fiery child who balked at convention, much like her father.
She cajoled her grandfather into approving her first marriage, a union unsuitable for her rank, but he ultimately relented and allowed Elisabeth to wed Prince Otto of Windisch-Graetz. Otto was as surprised as anyone by the union, leading to an unfortunate incident where Elisabeth murdered his mistress with a handgun he’d given her.
Though they would have four children, the marriage floundered, and by 1918 they were separated. In 1921, always a radical, Elisabeth joined the Social Democratic Party of Austria – hence, The Red Archduchess – and met her next flame, Leopold Petznek. The two would remain together until his death in 1956, though only married for a short time – on account of Elisabeth and Otto remaining married until 1948!
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Sources
Twilight of the Habsburgs: The Life and Times of Emperor Francis Joseph, by Alan Palmer (Amazon link)
More People Need To Know About Elisabeth Marie, Austria’s “Red Archduchess” – Factinate
Leopold Petznek | European Royal History
September 2, 1883: Birth of Archduchess Elisabeth Marie of Austria. Part I. | European Royal History
A socialist royal | Sissis granddaughter | Archduchess Elisabeth (YouTube link)
Erzsi – Crown Prince Rudolf’s unconventional daughter | Die Welt der Habsburger
Royal Musings: Austrian emperor invites granddaughter to spend winter with him
