Netflix’s historical drama The Empress premiered its second season in November, presenting some new chapters from the fascinating true story of one of Europe’s most rebellious monarchs: Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
The German-language show revolves around Empress Elisabeth, nicknamed Sissi, and her royal courtship with Emperor Franz Joseph I as she navigates the rigid court lifestyle and her demanding new role as the Queen of Hungary.
The Emmy-winning series received exceptional acclaim for its inaugural season, and the second season is attracting even greater interest, having garnered 24 million views alone in the first week of its release and number 3 spot in non-English shows on Netflix. Naturally, there’s a heightened curiosity regarding the true story of The Empress and the real-life events that inspired it.
All about The Empress: The plot, cast and ending of season 2
The series explores the political landscape of mid-19th century Austria. While certain dramatic elements have been introduced to enhance viewer engagement, a significant portion of the events depicted in the two seasons are derived from historical accounts.
Season 1 of The Empress primarily focused on the evolving relationship between Elisabeth and Franz as she adjusted to life in Vienna. In contrast, season 2 delves deeper into the political tensions emerging in Europe, particularly concerning the Italian states and Napoleon III. The ending of season 2 shows Franz Joseph heading to the frontlines to confront Napoleon III, leaving the outcome of an anticipated season 3 uncertain.
The Empress boasts of a stellar cast that makes all this high-stakes politics and royal drama feel grounded and believable.
The show stars Devrim Lingnau as Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Philip Froissant as Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, Melika Foroutan as Sophie, Archduchess of Austria, Elisa Schlott as Duchess Helene in Bavaria and Johannes Nussbaum as Archduke Maximillian, amongst others.
So, if you are a history buff who digs gripping period dramas, here’s the true story behind Netflix’s The Empress.
How much of The Empress’ plot is a true depiction of real events?
As shown in the Netflix series, Elisabeth, commonly referred to as Empress Sisi, was one of the most cherished monarchs of Austria. Born on 24 December 1837, into the royal Bavarian House of Wittelsbach, she was the third child of Duke Maximilian Joseph. Affectionately nicknamed Sisi or Sissi by her family, she spent her formative years in the Bavarian countryside, where she developed a passion for horseback riding and exploring the woods.
Empress Sisi today is not only known as one of the most renowned Hapsburg rulers but also as the most glamorous. She is celebrated for her striking beauty, and her unconventional conduct as empress — characterised by her smoking, tattoo, and commitment to vigorous physical activities such as gymnastics, exactly as depicted in the Netflix show.
Throughout her reign, she was distinguished by her ability to connect with the common populace more intimately than most royals, alongside her deep affection for Hungary.
Elisabeth and Franz Joseph’s relationship
Elisabeth got married to her first cousin, Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, a union that was not originally intended. Their mothers had envisioned a marriage between Franz and Elisabeth’s elder sister, Helene, as portrayed in The Empress. However, according to Brigitte Hamann’s biography, The Reluctant Empress: A Biography of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Franz was instantly captivated by Elisabeth upon first seeing her in her mother’s drawing room, rather than in a woodland setting.
The two got married on 25 April 1854, when Elisabeth was just 16 and Franz was 23.
They were married for 44 years but their marriage was a complicated one. Contrary to the passionate portrayal in The Empress, their relationship was more formal than passionate.
During her early years in Vienna, Elisabeth exhibited a shy and youthful disposition, which added to her struggles to adjust to the strictures of court life. Franz caught in the middle, struggled to manage the tension between his wife and his mother, often failing to comprehend Elisabeth’s reluctance to conform to the expectations instilled in him from a young age.
Was Elisabeth’s life within the Hapsburg Court really as turbulent?
As depicted in the Netflix series The Empress, Elisabeth’s life within the Hapsburg court was marred by unhappiness and suffocation. According to Hamann’s biography, Elisabeth felt trapped by the constant public scrutiny and private surveillance. She detested many court rituals, including the presence of attendants who dressed her and the extravagant practice of discarding her shoes after a single use.
Elisabeth’s greatest challenge within the Hapsburg court came in the form of her formidable mother-in-law, Archduchess Sophie (Melika Foroutan). It was Sophie’s brains behind Franz’s ascent to the throne and she continued to wield significant influence throughout his reign. She exerted total control over Elisabeth’s life, from selecting her staff to dictating her relationship with Franz. Sophie even went so far as to arrange for her own staff to care for Elisabeth’s first child, effectively undermining Elisabeth’s role as a mother.
Also read: 11 British royal family TV shows and movies to watch if you loved ‘The Crown’
Elisabeth and Franz’s family life: A mix of joy and tragedy
Season 1 of The Empress heavily delves into Elisabeth and Franz’s family life and it remains mostly true to their real story. The monarch duo had four children together, but their family life was frequently marred by sorrow. Their eldest daughter, Sophie, named after her grandmother, tragically died at the age of two in 1857 while travelling with her parents to Hungary. The exact cause of her death remains uncertain, but the Netflix show shows that she may have succumbed to typhoid fever.
Despite this devastating loss, Elisabeth continued to expand her family. In 1858, she gave birth to her only son, Rudolf, followed by the arrival of her youngest daughter, Marie Valerie, in 1868. Elisabeth struggled with mental health and disordered eating throughout her life. She became increasingly reclusive, refusing to permit any portraits of herself after the age of 40.
Tragedy struck again in 1889 when Elisabeth’s 30-year-old son Rudolf was found dead at his hunting lodge, alongside his 17-year-old mistress, Baroness Marie von Vetsera. The devastating event was later concluded to be a murder-suicide pact. This tragedy not only deeply affected Elisabeth but also had far-reaching consequences that contributed to the onset of World War I. With Rudolf having no heir, the crown was passed to his uncle, Archduke Karl Ludwig, and subsequently to his eldest son, Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
Did Emperor Franz Joseph participate in the battle against Napoleon?
The finale of The Empress season 2 depicts Franz Joseph engaging in warfare against Napoleon III, as he chooses to join the frontlines to demonstrate solidarity with his soldiers and to enhance their morale. Although Elisabeth is heartbroken by his decision, she ultimately comes to terms with it, albeit with concerns for his safety. Historically, Franz Joseph did indeed take part in combat against Napoleon III during the Second Italian War of Independence. The series illustrates Austria’s conflict with Sardinia, which escalated due to a covert alliance between France and Sardinia, leading France to declare war on Austria.
Franz Joseph faced off against Napoleon III and his forces, but Austria ultimately suffered defeat.
What happened to the real Elisabeth?
The second season of the German historical drama, The Empress, concludes with a suspenseful cliffhanger, leaving Emperor Franz Joseph’s fate uncertain and Empress Elisabeth’s life hanging in the balance. In stark contrast to the show’s dramatic ending — unless we are getting a season 3 — the real-life Empress Elisabeth met a tragic and untimely demise.
In September 1898, she visited Geneva, Switzerland, under a false identity. According to History.com, upon learning of her presence in the country, an Italian anarchist named Luigi Lucheni confronted Sisi as she was about to board a ship and attacked her with a small triangular file. She fell shortly after boarding and ultimately succumbed to internal bleeding, passing away at the age of 60.
Empress Elisabeth’s assassination sent shockwaves throughout Europe, marking the tragic end of a life marked by both opulence and turmoil.
(Hero image credit: IMDb; Featured image credit: Julia Terjung/Netflix via Netflix Tudum)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Netflix series ‘The Empress’ centres around the true story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria and her married life with Emperor Franz Joseph.
Season 1 of the Netflix series ‘The Empress’ focuses on the 16-year-old Bavarian duchess who marries the Emperor of Austria and navigates the complex world of court politics, and the dynamics of a royal family. Season 2 centres around their complicated marriage and the political turmoil in Europe in the mid-1800s.
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Kratagya Rathore could possibly be your passport into the world of style, grooming, skincare, and mindful living. Fashion is as imperative to him as his daily 10,000 steps count. He is a raconteur, almost living his life in a musical; A social firefly who is also fluent in silence. A journalism grad, Kratagya has previously worked for Times Internet and The Times of India.
