Archduke Rudolph of Austria

Archduke Rudolph of Austria, born in 1858, was the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and Empress Elisabeth. He is often remembered for his tragic death in a murder-suicide at Mayerling in 1889, a scandal that shocked Europe and led to various conspiracy theories. Rudolph was known for his liberal views and interest in reforming the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His untimely demise marked a turning point in Habsburg history, influencing the lineage and political landscape of Europe, as his death diminished the empire's future prospects for modernization and reform.