![]() ![]() ![]() The engagement proposal itself was made in a much more formal way – through Archduchess Sophie, who approached her sister and arranged the agreement between the families to marry Elizabeth and Franz Joseph. Even the bold "two cotillions in a row" move Franz Joseph allowed himself at the ball, inviting Elizabeth one dance after another (which was a telltale sign of an upcoming engagement), was discussed between Franz and his mother prior to the ball. The romanticized version of their encounter depicted in The Empress – in the woods – is one of many myths circling Elizabeth and her life. Back then Elizabeth was too young to spark the interest of the future Emperor who was too busy dealing with revolutionary events that threatened to collapse the monarchy. Technically, the first meeting between Elisabeth and Franz Joseph happened in June 1848 when Duchess Ludovika with children visited her sister, Archduchess Sophie, in Innsbruck. ![]() The celebration in Bad Ischl was not, in fact, the first time Franz Joseph saw his cousins. But who was the real Elisabeth, and what struggles did she have to endure at the Viennese Court to become the legendary Empress of Austria, admired worldwide even a century and a half later? As is often the case with period dramas, The Empress mixes historical background with fiction, not trying to provide ultimate historical accuracy, but rather giving a compelling love story that captivates the hearts and minds of the audience. The Empress’ first (and currently the only) season is focused on the fateful meeting between the young Bavarian Duchess Elisabeth ( Devrim Lingnau) and the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I ( Philip Froissant). Seven decades later, The Empress offers a fresh take on the great love story between Elizabeth and Franz Joseph – equally strong and dramatic from its very beginning. Prior to its release, the most well-known film adaptation of Elizabeth’s life had been the 1950s Sissi trilogy, with charming Romy Schneider as the leading actress. The 6-part Netflix series The Empress tells the poetic story of the early life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. ![]()
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