Empress Sisi - The 19th Century Princess Diana

[@kjam9085]

As a Hungarian, I can confirm that she is still popular here, she was very well loved within my country.

[@mellie4174]

In austria too she is quite beloved. I have some austrian friends and they all adore her. I think she figures heavily in the culture there.

[@backpfeifengesicht8415]

Germany as well.

[@NitaHair]

I just found out about her story. She was soooo beautiful. And I think she was intelligent. No wonder lots of people still loves her

[@ElanorLily]

True she is still very loved, and a bit over romanticized. Also there is a third option why Sisi loved Hungary so much :) Her mother-in-law hated the country and the two women basically hated each other. So Sisi did the opposite - supported Hungary.

[@valery5360]

As an Austrian girl I can confirm that Sisi was very romanticized. Sisi was "the real princess every girl could become" I love her and the more I learn about her the more I feel her pain and motives. She is Austria's pride, our beautiful princess we all adore

[@saiyanscars]

The saddest part about Crown Prince Rudolf, especially in regards to Sisi, was that he very much took after her. He was melancholic, much like his mother, and he also took after her liberal tendencies. The two likely would have been rather close if it wasn't for Archduchess Sophia's machinations, Sisi's constant trips away from Vienna during Rudolf's upbringing, and her general distaste for his new bride. The two never really got to know each other, and one has to wonder if the tragedy of Rudolf's murder-suicide could have been avoided if he had been close to his mother like he probably could and should have been.

[@godzillavkk]

Perhaps Sisi blamed herself for becoming like her mother in law for her son's death.

[@sweethistortea]

@@godzillavkk There's a book I have about her, and her daughter mentions that Rudolf's passing had a deep effect on Sissi.

[@x0xtran9x0x]

Sisi documentaries are so rare!!! Thank you

[@oliverk5047]

@Lavender Whipping really??? Could you please tell me how to find it? Thank you 😎

[@elisa8531]

Oliver K it's more of a drama, but look up German Period Drama Sisi

[@heleendenhartogh9538]

There is also a three German movie serie made in the 1950's. I don't know all the titles but one of them is sisi die junge kaisurin. They are stunningly made. As well as a children's cartoon series that you can find on KZbin under sisi cartoon series. The movies are a bit more romanticed in comparison to reality though

[@atiliamusa9380]

This is my first time know about Sisi. Now I am excited to look up more about her 😄

[@gracie9658]

@@heleendenhartogh9538 These movies were my whole childhood :') They are crazily romanticized but the costumes are stunning and they are from the 50s so what else can we expect.

[@limerence8365]

You know its funny since it's the father's genetics that determines the sex of the child. No one has control over it but blaming the mother is even more pointless than it actually is.

[@celeste3100]

Back in those days, they didn't have that kind of science.

[@MsElizaRae]

Pft you should know when something goes wrong it's obviously the womens' fault lol

[@riichobamin7612]

They had absolutely no concept of genetics.

[@sphinxrising1129]

I would suggest you go back & look at genetics some more, as the female determines health, physical characterizations, & yes, even gender. Furthermore, we all start out life as a female.

[@markmh835]

@@sphinxrising1129 -- Sorry Sphinx, you are completely wrong. And anyone anywhere in the world who knows basic high school biology knows this. It is a particular chromosome from the father's sperm -- ALONE -- that determines the gender of the baby. The mother's egg has absolutely nothing to do with it -- indeed cannot. It is one of the great crimes of human history of the blame, misery, and torture that millions of women were put through for their "failure" to produce a "male heir," when in fact it was biologically out of their control. Feminists should feel emboldened to assert power in society for this reason alone for retribution for centuries of misplaced blame (although there was no way for pre-scientific peoples to have known). In an alternative history, one could just imagine how the world might have been different had it been known that it was the MALE's fault for lack of a male heir (e.g., Henry VIII, Napolean, etc.).

[@moopmoopmeepmeep8167]

Sisi seems refreshingly human with all her faults, quirks, and talents. Thank you for covering such an interesting person.

[@shaunmattice6413]

Average inlaws; we're going to be the worst inlaws ever. *Princess Sophia of Bavaria has entered the conversation*

[@seanleith5312]

Whenever I hear somebody dedicated to help the poor, my suspicion goes off the roof. The best way to help the poor is to get rich, on the way you help a lot of poor people, by giving them jobs, directly, indirectly. The people who claim to help the poor by giving them money, doesn't help them much. If you really want to help the poor, give them jobs, not money.

[@pebblepod30]

*Austria, not Bavaria....?

[@kenzieuchiha1191]

@@pebblepod30 She was born Princess Sophie of Bavaria so Shaun is still correct.

[@shalizzle793]

@@seanleith5312 This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever read and you should be ashamed

[@seanleith5312]

@@shalizzle793 I should be ashamed for being dumb? If you would spend a few second think it through, maybe it is not dumb at all.

[@mediocreman6323]

It is said that emperor Franz Josef said, when getting the news of his wife's assassination, commented, that he was not spared anything [bad] in this world, and whatever you hold against him, he lost his wife to an assassin, his son to suicide and his brother was executed in Mexico, and he stood through all of it with a calm, almost stoic attitude.

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

mediocre man Don’t forget his first daughter that died in infancy.

[@mediocreman6323]

@@giovannirastrelli9821 - yes, I forgot that, and of course failed to mention his nephew and successor, who was assassinated in Sarajewo, which started the Great war. He sure did not have it easy.

[@forjava]

The Austrians say, "Keep the ears stiff."

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

mediocre man I read somewhere that the wife of a Hungarian nobleman Franz Joseph executed for treason early into his reign cursed him; proclaiming that she wants him to live long enough to see all of his loved ones die one after the other. Seems that he lived just long enough to fulfill her curse.

[@lilysflowersforu]

he was a terrible person to his brother tho

[@dimatadore]

This makes "marrying into royalty" childhood dreams sound awful.

[@aryrios154]

@Alex She was already royalty. A duchess in Bavaria and Wittelsbach member. Nothing else than someone of royalty would've been suitable for the Emperor of Austria.

[@thunderbird1921]

@joanne chon Victoria and Albert, while he was alive at least.

[@savagedarksider5934]

@@thunderbird1921 They was also first Cousins.

[@aestheticslowed1750]

@@savagedarksider5934that was normal at the time

[@tessdurberville711]

​@@aryrios154 A Duchess is not royalty. She was of the nobility. Her mother was royal, having been born a princess.

[@SB-xz5yn]

For everyone who was moved by this story, I recommend watching a recording of the musical Elisabeth. It’s a german language musical about the life of Sisi and fairly accurate. The only twist, her suicidal tendencies are portrayed as death personified being in love with her.

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

And it’s narrated from beyond the grave by her murderer. Really similar to “Evita,” with hints of “Phantom.”

[@SB-xz5yn]

Evgueni Mlodik and a little bit of les miserables, when it comes to political context. My favourite line is still one sung by the nobles during the wedding scene “Because all suffering entertains us, we will gladly see you perish.”

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Sebastian Boehnert Yeah, I always said that it’s as if “Evita” and “Phantom” had a baby and then the baby was raised by “Les Miserables.” But “Evita” isn’t exactly light on politics either. ;)

[@rosecoloredtimes]

Where can this be found??

[@Dpb-236]

I 💘 that musical 🎼

[@paraboo8994]

Since you've done Sissi Crown Prince Rudolf would be really interesting, because he had quite a difficult but interesting childhood and his death was just tragic and had severe repercussions for the monarchy.

[@jimsanderson4180]

paraboo I second that idea. He is fascinating.

[@Quessir]

@@jimsanderson4180 Yeah. One can only imagine what might have happened if Francis Joseph died early and Rudolf became emperor - we know he didn't like or trust Wilhelm, and likely would have aligned more with France. What could have been...

[@Dadaandthepillsband]

Same thought! His story determined the history - and we can argue that it lead to WWI

[@TKinfinity01]

You got your wish. It’s out now.

[@Dadaandthepillsband]

@@TKinfinity01 thank you!!!

[@MaiSent]

I was in Geneva for the last three months, there is a small memorial plaque at the spot where she was killed

[@IronWarhorsesFun]

another good leader murdered huh?

[@pvtperkins1455]

spoiler alert damn 😂

[@Nieaqop243]

I was going to shout spoiler alert but then I forgot this happened *_literally hundreds of years ago_* 😂😂

[@gustavoa.6551]

you should make a BIO on Jean Baptiste Bernadotte. This guy was born a peasant in pre-revolutionary france and somehow became king of sweden.

[@laurenbee6340]

General Menino very interesting story

[@Firegen1]

Upvote! His story is fantastic

[@rezurenkin]

I'm interested!

[@stifmasterism]

Very similar to Justinian the Great. From peasant to Imperator Romanum.

[@ShannonRochon]

I'd read that for sure.

[@inisipisTV]

There is a classic Austrian movie trilogy of her called "Sissi". Though quite romanticized, it's a very beautiful film. It starred Romy Schneider, such a beauty.

[@susella646]

And as far removed from historical accuracy as possible. But, yes, very nice. Romy Schneider played Sisi again in 1973 in Luchino Visconti's "Ludwig".

[@rakdos36]

Romy Schneider the actress coincedently also had a rather unhappy life and a tragic death.

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Also a famous 90s musical.

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

rakdos36 And just like Sisi, Romy lost her only son under horrifying circumstances.

[@TheSleepyowlet]

IDK about beautiful - I tried watching it but I cringed out of the room.

[@georgiaholmes5199]

Poor woman, she was an amazing woman stuck in her role

[@quanbrooklynkid7776]

@david white damn

[@loditx7706]

She was indulged, self centered, selfish, and self pitying. She had money and position and could do anything she wanted; hence the reason she traveled all over whenever she pleased and did what she pleased. Many are happy with much, much less, but she chose not to be.

[@loditx7706]

@david white To be honest, anyone would have been cruel and rude to Stephanie, who was loud and insensitive and generally got on people's nerves. Of course it is alleged that her Prince Charming gave her gonorrhea after their daughter's birth and they soon both had other love interests. (Don't know if there was a cure for that STD back then; if not, it seems rather rough on the lovers they picked.) Of course, in his case it didn't matter since he shot his next mistress Maria Vetsera in a suicide pact, so problem solved! At least for them.

[@loditx7706]

adrianna I believe if you read my comment you will understand my confusion. You must have meant to respond to someone else. Nowhere in my comment do I speak of the Empress's power or lack there of. I commented on some personal facts about her that I felt would have improved the presentation. Personally I don't believe she wanted anymore power than she had, which was the power to do as she wished when she wished and she had that. It's all very well to claim her mother in law removed her children, but she didn' take care of them herself. I'm sure they were handed off to nurses, governesses, and tutors which is the same thing Elizabeth would have done. Persons of their order did not attend to the actual raising of their children. She traveled for her own pleasure and because she detested the formality of Vienna and the Emperor, who was a very dull and boring fellow. If there was anything about Vienna she liked it would have been the Spanish Riding School. As for her and her son's behavior, they were Wittlesbachs, little else needs be said. Do try to review the comments and discover to whom you were actually responding. Elizabeth (Sisi) only wanted power over herself and she had that.

[@TKUA11]

True. But whoring around didn’t help her or her kids.

[@QUARTERMASTEREMI6]

Much like Anna Karenina, Sisi lived her life, loved passionately and died quickly. Sure, she had everything: the beauty, the heart - but to quote Leo Tolstoy, _"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow."_

[@andrealuisecandido1154]

my 2nd girl name is Lu ise

[@mzcytin]

"But this was the 19th century and female suffering was practically a spectator sport" I actually laughed out loud.

[@AyubuKK]

Caty Bee Its pretty messed up when you think about it.

[@TKUA11]

The human butcher block that was ww1 was a spectator sport. Trust me, women had it better off, you can’t judge the past by modern standards . Think of how much of your ancestors died in ww2. You are probably alive because your ancestors were one of the lucky few that survived

[@maxillebastille9079]

@Emily Barclay The hell are you talking about? The only people who had it good back then were nobles, everyone else had to fight to survive. Hunting, farming, gathering, selling and women weren't the ones doing that. Lets not even mention the fact that women in some cultures were put on pedestals for most of time and it was way easier for a women to get rich just by simply marrying. In some ways women had it harder back then but when your only job in society is to breed and look pretty, compare to what women have to do now since they forget that equality to man means you get all the crappy stuff too, in probably like 2 ways they had it better.

[@maxillebastille9079]

@Emily Barclay Do you seriously believe that in those times that a poor man had it better than a rich woman?

[@Tina06019]

Stephen Jenkins You make some good points. Being so poor that you are hungry, unshod & barely clothed is always bad, regardless of your gender. I think very poor women did have it worse than very poor men, but frankly both groups were seriously miserable, so it is bit silly to argue about who had it worse. However, I would much rather be a well-fed & housed (farmer, craftsman, mechanic) man than a noblewoman in Europe - right up to at least the 1970s.

[@NAVEMAN3]

I will never complain about Queen Elizabeth ever again. Sisi's mother-in-law was a true monster that enjoys torturing a beautiful flower.

[@forjava]

Exactly. Isolated E from her children!

[@ThomasHarding1990]

It's spelt EliSabeth*

[@duanesamuelson2256]

@Angelika Scott remember Simon is reading a script...and a lot of errors throughout his various videos as well as videos which state contractions between them. However he is entertaining and does get at least some people to think 🙂

[@alexger85]

@Angelika Scott true. according to newer research, sisi didnt care much for her children and was releaved that her mother in law took over. the evil mother in law mostly comes from the sisi films of the 1950s and because a heroine like sisi couldnt possibly be a terrible mother

[@cherryblossom2494]

Ikr, I really hate Sophie and despise her, I even made a FanCast of Empress Sisi's life and I regret casting my favorite actress to play Sophie

[@Siehna]

This is a story nearly everyone my age or older grew up with 8n Germany and Austria. There is a very popular movie series starring Romy Schneider that we watched every Christmas. Calling her the Austrian Diana is a wonderful comparison - she has so much mystery, tragedy and romanticism around her story.

[@forjava]

I have a theory that because of her bad teeth, she avoided smiling, which affected her disposition.

[@linajurgensen4698]

@@forjava that’s nonsense she took great care of her teeth and had multiple dentists at court.

[@leontinehillenaar423]

In the Netherlands as well. My sister and I and one our best friend watched it every time it was on. That version is very romanticized though although the mil does steal the children.

[@JootjeJ]

​@@leontinehillenaar423I was going to say that too. I saw the whole series repeatedly on Dutch tv when I was young.

[@BryantPP]

I adore the Romy Shneider. I worked w/Narciso Rodriguez, he always had a photo of her up on the board when doing a collection, mostly Boccaccio 70, but sometimes a Sisi.

[@Phoenix-ks8sc]

One tiny correction if I may: "Sisi" originated only from a side branch of the Wittelbachs who ruled Bavaria at that time. Her mother indeed was a princess OF Bavaria(meaning a daughter of the king), but her father (also his wife's cousin by the way) held the title duke IN Bavaria (thus being far less significant than the dukes OF Bavaria). Being a princess IN Bavaria Elisabeth was only 'widely' considered a Bavarian royal but rather an upper class aristocrat.

[@kasvinimuniandy4178]

Oooo that's interesting! Thank you!

[@brandadyanne]

I love it when Simon gets a little sassy in his story telling. It's a really good video.

[@Johnnycdrums]

Sassy describes him well, he is British.

[@22Purplemist]

I can't listen to him. I had to stop after a couple of minutes

[@Shaara1]

He definitely captures people's attention. I imagine he would be great as a teacher, students hanging to every words. I'd love to have that talent when in a classroom.:)

[@colbyshea5915]

I love it too. He is somehow always respectful, even when being sassy. There is a real skill to it

[@kknives36]

She had a sad life. I really enjoy everything you said. In a way she’s become my favorite European Queen in history just from this story.

[@inisipisTV]

She is quite popular. There is a famous Austrian movie trilogy of her titled Sissi.

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

inisipisTV And a really popular musical. Probably the biggest musical hit that never played in London or on Broadway.

[@thunderbird1921]

Sissi was a truly fascinating woman. She was actually said to be the greatest female equestrian in Europe. Possibly why Franz Joseph's favorite portrait of his wife depicts her on her horse.

[@ardenalexa94]

I love the way he talks about her and humanizes her. Some when talking about people from the past, don’t do that.

[@jdeatley5939]

She is so popular in Hungary today. When I was there I learned so much about her life and her contributions to the common people of that nation. God bless her.

[@hannahs3224]

Austrian here! Sissi is really really popular here still, we have a famous film trilogy, you can visit her home and so many places she has been to and lived at, and even have a musical about her (Elisabeth) - it's amazing and really captures her struggles!

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Hannah XX Alle tanzten mit dem Tod - doch niemand wie Elisabeth!

[@Mindalynn14]

I’m in Vienna right now staying like 5 minutes away from the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg and did a day trip to Budapest and I’d never heard too much about her before this trip! It’s so interesting - plus I had no idea Marie Antoinette was a Hapsburg/Franz Josef’s sister! Lot of interesting family lines

[@melissajackson79]

Even her son Rudolph had a sad countenance. You did her story justice, simon. Beautifully told. Your best yet! I have been a fan for a few years now and after this, I shall love you ever more dearly.

[@sid67crowe73]

I was able to go to Vienna in 1995 for some courses in college. I became obsessed with Sisi. Her story was so tragic....and I was in a bit of a dark place then. I remember going to every single place she lived and even spent a few visits to the imperial crypts. Before I had to come back to the states, I was able to see a musical about her that was running. I was able to understand a decent amount of German, so I could follow along. It was a great musical. It was a story about her and "Death"....and it was a love story between them. Very well done. If you can find it anywhere, I recommend it. I still have the soundtrack. She was a pretty fascinating historical character. Thanks for reminding me of that whole period of my life. :)

[@nastaran8418]

I learned more from Bio than reading history or in school , thank you for making these videos

[@kenyettaready]

Ain't it tho. He would make a dope history teacher.

[@StaticImage]

I really hope they still read these comments. Because stuff like what you just said should really make them feel like they're doing what it is they set out to do.

[@YouTubeYouTube-hy4sl]

Hes probably plagiarizing

[@alal039]

People learn from reading even Simon

[@anonymerpandabar868]

but please don't take this documentary 100% serious because it is not that accurate. He would be a good teacher, yes, but in terms of historic correctness, he is more of a storyteller.

[@aegisofhonor]

Ssisi lived to the age of 61, she by all accounts lived a full life, longer then most in her day.

[@janebeatty9472]

She was into physical activity long before anyone and watched her weight closely.

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Jane Beatty She did smoke. Apparently it turned her teeth yellow and it was a major point of self-consciousness for her.

[@robertvasterink8963]

Actually...Sisi was 60 years old when she was assassinated.

[@rebeccaclark4553]

Jane Beatty I mean it wasn’t healthy weight watching. The women clearly had some sort of eating disorder. She weighed herself three times a day, barely ate (although there are reports of some sort of bingeing behaviour), exercised herself beyond exhaustion and spent a lot of her life expressing suicidal thoughts. Honestly I’m surprised she lasted this long with whatever disorder she had despite never getting help for it.

[@flom6453]

Evgueni Mlodik Her teeth were yellow before she started smoking. It was one of the first comments her mother-in-pew made when she arrived in Austria actually.

[@AlexKS1992]

I read that Franz Joseph I was devasted by the loss of his nephew Archduke Ferdinand, son Rudolph, brother Emperor Maximillian of Mexico but the one that hurt him the most was the loss of his wife Sisi. He never remarried and was devastated. I sympathize with him considering I lost family.

[@violettaazul]

I've always been intrigued by this Empress story amd the Austrian- Hungarian empire history as well. I've read books on these topics, watched series on Sisi... But your videos are so well made! I loved this one.

[@janebeatty9472]

Lady Randolph Churchill once saw her on horseback. Everyone was waiting to see the beautiful Sisi but when when trotted by she held a fan over her face up to her eyes. She was terribly shy of crowds and hated attention.

[@forjava]

Less shy than private. Mention of Churchill here reminds me, I'm surprised I'm seeing little in this thread about Bay Middlleton. I think he links to Diana's estate where she Elizabeth and Bay may have ridden. That could be a little off but I have no time to go through my books.

[@Valentina-Steinway]

Actually, she had aged, and didn’t want to be photographed. Her teeth had rotted and she didn’t like smiling from her 20’s on.,. It had nothing to do with shy and all yo do with being vain. I lover her so much😍😍😍.

[@thunderbird1921]

@@Valentina-Steinway When she was younger though, Sissi was astonishingly fit physically for that era.

[@StaticImage]

I love when I feel like I'm repeating myself by saying "one of the best ones yet" They just keep getting better. Extremely well written and executed.

[@charl4978]

I had never even heard of her before this video but Sisi´s story made me cry 😢.

[@andreamunoz6088]

Could you do Frida Khalo!! I feel like her life has been misconstrued by pop culture and it is important to her art to understand the full context of her life!! There needs to be far more emphasis on her politics.

[@nine300]

Yes

[@neoamaru]

check it out, it's there now :)

[@gardensofthegods]

Yes even after her death was interesting the way they described the color of the flames when her body was being cremated .

[@johnrich6240]

Could you do one on Edgar Allan Poe? There is so much misinformation surrounding him and it would be great if the truth had more exposure. Also, not many know about the softer stories and love poetry.

[@nosferatuoddz7974]

IoI lol

[@yespls6260]

I'm from the US and had the pleasure of visiting both Vienna and Budapest in 2018. Absolutely enchanting cities with histories that you can read for years. Heard about Sisi quite a bit, so I'm glad that I got a more comprehensive look at her life through this video :)

[@arnoldlayne9918]

That was an amazing story, told beautifully. You deserve recognition outside of KZbin for your work Simon. Genuinely.

[@momobunny1234]

Wow, it's so incredible to see a Biographics video based on Empress Sisi. I've been fixated on her story for years.

[@ivyherz7816]

Same here 🤗

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Same! It was just a tad inaccurate and omitted her equestrian hobby and some other interesting aspects of her personality, but otherwise this was a very good entry.

[@thecalmingspace7242]

Hadn't heard of her but when I arrived in Austria there was a whole shop dedicated to her. As a woman from New Zealand, she was extremely fascinating.

[@gaianexv2109]

Bismarck had a plan, Bismarck always had a plan 😉

[@jackofalltrades6129]

Ayyyyyy

[@Isildun9]

*puts on sunglasses* "Iron Chancellor."

[@ianmoore3470]

All we need now are hidden Walpole's

[@skizzik121]

damn it this comment made me pause this video at 10:06 and go watch that WHOLE FREAKING SERIES....I blame Walpole not you of course but still!

[@camilogonzalez5576]

I see you are a man - or lady - of culture as well.

[@lanatherana157]

I'd never heard of her before but I'm glad I have now. This entry was interesting!

[@jamaicanmeangry4143]

Same

[@hetspook666]

Really?

[@jamaicanmeangry4143]

@@hetspook666 yeah. Why would we have? It's completely irrelevant.

[@hetspook666]

@@jamaicanmeangry4143 irrelevant to what life? Ask you're whife or mother, depending of you're age, if she knows the movie sisi. That (horrable) movie is the woman's version of the godfather. One of those movies you have to have seen. (There on youtube but in german so use subs) And as a person her husband's actions were important, leading up to ww1 and ww2.

[@jamaicanmeangry4143]

@@hetspook666 irrelevant to day to day life.

[@Mia-fy6cv]

When I was younger, I went on vacation to Austria. We visited Sisi museums. At that time I didn’t know who she was but now I know and I’m so glad that I bought a mini Sisi sculpture.

[@sokyoul]

The actress, Romy Schneider, who portrait her in the movies also had a very tragic live story, i would love to see a video about her life!

[@sylviatock9417]

On youtube there are good videos of her tragic life....

[@sokyoul]

@@sylviatock9417 Yes, i know. But i like this guys videos, so why not just make a recommendation?^^

[@146agi122]

Yes, she committed suicide over her lost love french actor Alain Delon.

[@tammylewis2408]

@@146agi122 Also she lost her son in a freak accident; he was punctured thru the heart while climbing a sharp iron gate. Like Sisi, she never got over losing her son.

[@tessdurberville711]

You all sound like vultures. The same ones who feed on Diana.

[@csims6788]

I have every book ever written about her. I just have never figured out why there aren't any documentaries about her. And finding a book about Sophia is impossible. She was the most interesting,complex woman.

[@condurachesorin]

The poet Carmen Sylvae was a pseudonim used by Queen Elizabeth of Romania.

[@pandorasbox4238]

Simon - just like with Pocahontas, you did a fabulous job. I was deeply moved by this portrayal. She is a tragic figure, indeed. As a writer, I must say that I am incredibly fond of history, and it seems in here, you've provided us with a lot of very interesting people. With them, loads of inspiration for new characters.

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

OutOfSight OutOfMind Elisabeth’s life has inspired many authors and artists.

[@pandorasbox4238]

@@giovannirastrelli9821 I am not even slightly surprised.

[@fabricatedreality8218]

I've read so much about her and other royals. She was so beautiful. Her life was tragic...especially with her son.

[@lem.006]

The 1950's 'Sissi' trilogy is sort of a christmas regular broadcast in German speaking regions lol. But it was very romanticized and after I read more about her, it was far from reality. I prefer the slightly more accurate, sadder and tragic 2009 'Sisi' which was a German/Italian joint production. The full series was uploaded in the German Period Drama channel here in KZbin. While both versions show Sisi reciprocating her husband's love, it still is being debated whether she truly loved him. I personally think she did for her efforts at reconciliation, her making a place for him in Achilleion, her including him in her written works and their affectionate correspondence towards the end of her life (although by that time they lived separate lives she still made him part of hers). However, she was indeed a reluctant empress but an empress nonetheless and her duties and court etiquette must have been daunting for her. In this case love really isn't enough to make a marriage happy.

[@monpetitchouxpastry]

I loved learning about Sisi! I’d never heard of her but she’s now one of my favorite historical figures. Thank you

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

petitmort Let me tell you, once you go Sisi, you never go back. I’m obsessed with her. I collect various bits of memorabilia and any literature about her. I even have a Sisi shrine in my den.

[@forjava]

I remembered I made an ANNOTATED bibliography of my English-language Elizabeth books that are not in storage. I was going to put it on Twitter but too much work. Thiat info could help you choose which books to read. Note the 1897 snapshot mentioned in one of my comments here. I will now post it here separately, IF!!! it fits.

[@PhileasLiebmann]

Okay, so I know that this may sound kind of weird considering that she took away her children, but the whole relationship between Sophie and Sisi is actually pretty disputed. Though they definitely weren't friends my any means, Sophie practically always described Sisi as very pleasant and even competent in her personal correspondence and diary and genuinely (and publicly) approved of the love marriage with Franz Joseph. Most of the hate between the two actually stemmed from Sisi, who considered her too demanding and strict for things that were basically normal at the Viennese court, and Sophie removing the children from her care was a genuine, though certainly radical, attempt to better prepare her grandkids for court life than their mother had been (it should also be noted that Sisi wasn't exactly great as a mother when she eventually took more custody of her children, often far too preoccupied with other projects and her travels to genuinely care for them). So, yeah, she wasn't nearly the monster that writers and film makers later portrayed her as, just a very concerned and overinvolved grandma, who (not incorrectly) assumed Sisi couldn't quite handle her wifely, motherly and courtly duties all at once. And about the pamphlet: there are actually several conspiracy theories around that, but it is rather unlikely that Sophie was behind it, as in a letter she basically noted that she was certain Franz Joseph and Sisi were still in love, so another child would only be a question of time, leaving her without a motive (she did really press her to make another potential heir later on though). In any case at that point Sisi already had enough rivals at court that there is no shortage of suspects. And if Sophie had wanted to send her a message then as queen mother and effectively a regent of Austria at the time she most definitely wouldn't have left a pamphlet of her desk like it's some kind of blackmail.

[@kairi3177]

Oh wow this hits the nail on the head. I always felt that Archduchess Sophie got a bad rap being painted as this mother in law from hell and I always wondered if the bad feelings were more on Sisi's side. From what I read, Elizabeth while beautiful and graceful had serious emotional issues and was always a tad high strung and her pre occupation with her appearance bordered on obsession. I always wondered if she might have had an eating disorder before they even knew what eating disorders were.

[@isaacgray2909]

I suspect Sissi's depression affected how she viewed her mother-in-law and to an extend her own family

[@floraflowers]

@@kairi3177 I'm fairly certain Sisi *did* have an eating disorder, quite possibly anorexia as well. Later accounts on her life at court talk about how her beauty routine took hours, she ate very little, worked out everywhere she went, rode horses as often as possible and also became so obsessed with corsets that she even retorted to tightlacing. She was keen on keeping her figure lower than 110 lbs (49kg). Considering that Sisi was 5'6 (172cm) tall, 110lbs is definitely too little. Some people argue that her obsession with her weight was a result of her life at court and not because they didn't feed her well, but rather because she felt that, upon entering royal life, she had little to no control over her schedules, activities and basically life and so being able to influence her weight and keep it at a certain number gave her a sense of still being in control of something.

[@shawnnewell4541]

I always suspected Count Taft left that pamphlet. He loathed Elizabeth and her son because they were liberal.

[@asicdathens]

Sisi's summer palace in Corfu was part of the war reparations Greece received from Austria at the end of WWI. Also the palace was used in a James Bond movie.

[@gregkamer3754]

"Heirs and spares." Simon, you kill me.

[@virginagobetz4756]

That's been said for at least the past hundred years.

[@theConquerersMama]

At least. However, it is always someone's first time hearing an old phrase. Appreciating a clever turn of phrase never goes amiss.

[@joannecrowley5651]

The presentation by Simon is always a pleasure (as opposed to some historical sites using computer generated speech). These glimpses into lesser known historical personages are wonderful, much appreciated gifts. Bravo!

[@thebelissima64]

I know the Sissi movies with Romy Schneider (which I love) were very romanticized but they helped me discover the real Empress Elisabeth and the beautiful countries of Austria and Hungary, places I had the honour to visit. It’s fascinating.

[@shanwisethehalfling]

Oh wow, Empress Sisi could have really benefitted from modern strides in mental health awareness. Of course, she wouldn’t have lived long enough to make it 150+ years, but her decisions to live life to the fullest (despite the grim motives) is so incredibly beautiful. It’s so crucial to remember people like Empress Sisi during the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness month, and remember that people have fought tooth and nail for mental health treatments to improve. I’m sorry this was a long reply; I’m just really moved and woozy from my second COVID vaccine. XD

[@anetthajdu9396]

Rather, Diana should be called the 20th century Empress Sisi because Diana lived later.

[@CJ--kx1dg]

This women's life was much much harder than princess Diane's. A very powerful comparison.

[@ethanramos4441]

I feel sorry for her. She suffered such more than Diana has poor girl.

[@nathanwilliams4555]

Great video about a very great lady! And that way you talk is everything and I quote “ smother then a velvet codpiece” cheers Simon

[@towanda1067]

Should have added what an amazing horsewoman she was, traveling all over the world with her own stable and competing while riding sidesaddle.

[@thebigsad9463]

We have a statue of her here in Madeira Island. I love these videos

[@malena5026]

I eat penis because she was a lot on Madeira I would love to go there too

[@joao_1986]

Really? I'm Portuguese as well(mainland) and i didn't know about that, in witch island is it?

[@TrekkieBrie]

You should do a biographic on Judy Garland. Her life is a tragic one, and she's a household name even today. I think it would be a perfect addition!

[@nhmisnomer]

I'm a history enthusiast but had never heard of her -- thanks for this great video!

[@MsChocolateWithMint]

Her friend Carmen Sylva was actually Elizabeth, Queen of Romania.

[@forjava]

Does anyone know if she (Q of R) visited Los Angeles (our family stories)?

[@cgt3704]

Thanks for saying this. I actually want a video about her niece-in-law.Queen Marie of Romania

[@Dinyo55]

She has my enduring empathy. As you said, I hope she found what she was looking for

[@thechristinaccruz]

Absolutely loved this video, I've known about Sisi since childhood after watching the amazing trilogy operetta movies made about her, which despite not being really accurate to real life, being operettas and all, are really beautiful movies, and did make me very interested in the life of this fascinating woman, as well as of Romy Schneider, the actress who beautifully played her, and who also had kinda of a tragic life.

[@vanessathomas6486]

An INTENSE Bio, Simon...but beautiful and well orated.

[@Paslayas]

Simon, your voice, facial expressions, and words make history come alive‼️

[@arnoldlayne9918]

Very true, he's a natural talent.

[@thomasnieswandt8805]

Sisi said her last words on the way back to the ship. Looking after the running man, she asked "What did he even want?"

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Okay, so this biographic may have its flaws, but on the other hand I love reading all the comments from people who just discovered Elisabeth’s life story and taken under its spell. Now they will go on to look up more literature and sources on this fascinating woman, creating a whole new generation of fans. That’s what truly matters.

[@virginagobetz4756]

Hear!Hear!Evgueni Mlodik!

[@shimanopetermann9068]

Archduchess Sophia was actually never the wicked stepmother. She never lost a negative word about her daughter in law (who was also her niece) but on the contrary described her quite pleasantly in her diaries and letters. Also she had really good relations with her other daughters in law. She just was concerned that Sisi was so young and unprepared (concerns Sisis own mother also shared) and when Sisi wrote that she feared her it's only because Sophia tried everything to teach Sisi how to be an empress - a role Sisi never wanted and despised from the moment Franz Joseph proposed to her (she's supposed to have said "I do like the emperor. If only he wasn't an emperor"). Sisi intentionally did everything that was frowned upon at court (she even got a tattoo) and abandoned all of her imperial duties to the point where there was always an archduchess at court that had to serve as kind of a substitute empress stepping in for her to fulfill her duties which must've been frustratung for her mother in law. Also Sophia didn't snach the children away. Sisi as Empress was the most important and powerful women of the empire and thus had every right to take her children back and force Sophia to submit to her wishes but as a matter of fact she never showed much interest in raising her children with her youngest daughter Marie Valerie being the only exemption (the court called her "die Einzige" - "the only one" because she was the only of her children Sisi ever showed any interest for).

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Shimano Petermann, I agree with most of what you said, but Sisi was a *consort* empress, she didn’t have much power. Consorts were just to make babies and act as arm candy for their husbands (but only if she was lucky enough to be attractive.) Sophie had a strong personality and she raised her son to be totally dependent on her, it was not a fair fight for Sisi to get her children back.

[@shimanopetermann9068]

@@giovannirastrelli9821 of course she was only a consort so she didn't have official political power. What I meant is that Sisi was as consort higher ranking than Sophia which means that according to protocol the latter theoretically had to submit to her and it would've been a skandal had she really treated Sisi that badly at court. Also while Sophia without any doubt had lots of influence over her son, Sisi too could influence him the same way since he was so deeply in love with her and basically wax in her hands. She proved that when she urged Franz Joseph to negotiate with the Hungarians against Sophias will (it was the first time he ignored the advice of his mother and the whole court who despised the Hungarians and would've rather crushed them) and also Sisi continued to prove her influence over her husband throughout her later life when she influenced him to allow her to live this relatively free life of travelling, rarely appearing at court (a life which was unthinkable for the consort of a monarch in the 19th century). So I believe she would've had enough power to get her children back had she really put up a fight. Also she never showed interest in her children in later years (she married her second daughter off by the age of 16, didn't even show up at her wedding and insulted her and her children in her poems).

[@cherryrose5514]

I think sissi would have been unhappy in whatever marriage she was in of it had etiquette like on Vienna. If she had married someone like her own father had been,she would have been happy.franz should have married Helene.sophia would have loved her so would have the Vienna court .but ah they would not have gotten the Hungarian kingdom to accept Vienna domination. Anyone know what became of the almost empress of Vienna,Helene?

[@grace246]

According to wikipedia, Helene ended up marrying Prince of Thurn and Taxis and had the only happy marriage out of all her sisters.

[@cherryrose5514]

@@grace246 so she was a princess but not a queen?Oh well at least she was happy

[@AnimeEpisodesDutch]

She was happily married, but lost one of her sons and her husband at a very young age. And she herself died of cancer.

[@kenzieuchiha1191]

@@grace246 Sophie Charlotte, who happened to be Sisi's favorite sister, also had a happy marriage. She just didn't get along with Ferdinand's father, the Duke of Nemours.

[@helene4397]

Franz Joseph fell in love with Sisi, not Helene.

[@1NosyRosyWorld]

Thank you for all your research! I Love your Bio-documentaries! Please do one on Otto von Habsburg - I met him several times in Strasburg at the Europen Parlement in the 80's. He came across as a kind, humble true Royal who always gave his absolute full attention to the person he was in conversation with. Even to a very junior babbling diplomat from South Africa like me. His brilliant daughter Walburga (who wore none-grand size 8 or 9 flat school-type shoes ; ) usually accompanied him and acted as his aide. He spoke all European languages fluently. A very impressive man.

[@jeanvignes]

One branch of my family came from the Austro-Hungarian empire. My mother's grandfather came to the USA from there as a 14-year-old cabin boy on a merchant ship. Other relatives of his followed. Thank you for this very interesting look into what life was like for the empress.

[@Meg1947]

I first heard of Sisi years ago when I read "Envious Casca" also titled "A Christmas Party", a murder mystery written in 1941 by Georgette Heyer. One of the characters is a woman who is reading "The Life of the Empress of Austria" and is driving the other members of the house party up the wall by quoting tidbits of Cici's life while everyone else is obsessed with the mystery of the murder of the host. Another mystery arises when the book goes missing. Spoiler alert--Cici's life provides the essential clue to how the murder was committed.

[@manuela_esse]

I read a biography which included archduchess Sofia's letters and those she sent to friends show only words of appreciation towards Sisi. In the letters written after the engagement she never says anything bad about the fact that Franz Joseph chose Sisi over Helena. She talks about Sisi like she would of a daughter. It seems that Sisi later told her favourite daughter that her grandmother had been mean to her and this version stuck

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Manuela Esse Sisi was neurotic and had a persecution complex.

[@katherinewilson1853]

Personal perception is valid; discounting a person's experience because the Archduchess ensured her correspondence was always tidy is not kind. Narcissists are cruel towards one and charming towards many. So it's not good to judge her experience, particularly as a growing teen, essentially forced into a quick marriage.

[@Dpb-236]

@@i.b.640 🤯

[@chheinrich8486]

​@@giovannirastrelli9821 and she was probably the first beauty addict 😂, she had exercise rooms in all her palaces

[@maggie7843]

That biography was missing facts. I would have also found my mother in law cruel if she took my children away from me with no pushback from my husband, stating I was still a child and too young to raise children, only to tell me to breed a successor to the emperor. Blaming Sisi - only 17- for the death of her first child was also horrific.

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

“All of us have danced with death, but no one like Elisabeth!”

[@PyroCeras]

Great, now i've gotta watch the musical again.

[@chrissyschhhh]

One of my favorite musicals

[@cathortnagl1906]

been waiting for someone to mention the musical xD

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Aaron Antone It’s from a musical about her life. It interprets her life as a love affair with Death.

[@DragonEmperorMycen]

Wonderful musical!!!

[@PopGoesTheology]

How fascinating and well narrated. You make history really interesting. Thanks, Simon!

[@ellier.4273]

Would you be able to do a video on empress Wu? She is/was also known as Wu Zhao, Wu Hou, during the later Tang dynasty as Tian Hou, and in English as Empress Consort Wu. I find her story extremely interesting as she started out as a simple concubine but later as one of the most powerful people in her country. She is both praised for the many positive things she did, such as her leadership resulting in important effects regarding social class in Chinese society and in relation to state support for religion, education, and literature; and villaified as a murderer and terrible mother. Overall I believe she is an important and interesting historical figure with a very interesting life.

[@imaniworthy6125]

Elli R. I loooove empress Wu! One of my favorite queens (I would say empress but she was the only empress in China)

[@Dinyo55]

Wait. The same Concubine Wu who refused reforms that would have led to a Constitutional Monarchy in China? The same Wu who required all delegates and diplomats to kiss her “lips” in greeting? That Wu? Who had no problem throwing her son into prison for power? She was a bad mother. A tyrant.

[@ellier.4273]

Some of you have helped to prove my point. There is so much controversy surrounding her, so many stories of her being both good and evil, all depending on who was telling the story. I would just like to see a video with as much information as possible, whether it be good or bad.

[@Dinyo55]

Just do what the rest of us do. I read peer reviewed scholarly articles on her. She was a tyrant who loved power for itself. I know millennials don’t like to read, but it is a useful skill to practice. Videos will never be able to deliver as much information in an hour as you would have read in an hour. Just saying

[@ellier.4273]

..I don't really see the need to insult a particular generation, even though you do have a point about reading. I typically read 3 to 4 books a month and considering I was born in the 90's I would be a millennial. A lot of millennials don't like to read for some reason, while others do. I can easily read about her but there is no harm in making a suggestion about a historical figure to a channel that covers historical figures.

[@GabrielDylanMusic]

Please do a video on rene descartes. He was one of the most influential philosophers throughout all of history. He was also the man who coined the term "cogito ergo sum" and gave us the truly thought provoking concept of solipsism. Thank you for your consideration!

[@gix2lee]

Her image is all over Vienna. She was a very memorable person from our trip to Vienna years ago. Thank you for this .

[@raydavison4288]

AND, BRAVO once again, SIMON!! Nothing more needs to be said.

[@conorbuckley4787]

These videos are astounding, well done sir 🙏🏻

[@jackiechristian9343]

WOW, NO COMMERCIALS!! DELIGHTFUL!

[@Mrs_Ella]

Thank you very much for this great video (even though it's very old in KZbin-years)! I'm from Vienna, but there's so much I don't know about Sisi. :) Another very important and influental Austrian woman was Maria Theresia, Grand Duchess of the Holy Roman Empire and the grandmother (or so I think?) of Franz Josef and Sisi. Would be great if you could do a video on her. PS: Just one tiny thing to mention: all the movies and shows, especially the 1950s films, have nothing to do with the real Sisi. They're lovely to watch (and kitschy af!), but pure fiction.

[@nubiankhaleesi2945]

Awesome video-- learned something new. This Sisi-- sad but heroic in a weird way. RIP

[@Edmonton-of2ec]

Sadly, and rather unfortunately, Empress Elisabeth wasn’t suppose to be the one to die. Luigi Lucheni, the Italian anarchist who assassinated the Empress, had pledged to murder the next person of royalty he saw. It turns out, around that time Prince Philippe, Duke of Orléans (known to Orléanists as Philippe VIII) in Geneva shortly after Luigi’s promise but before the Empress, and Luigi did try to kill the Duke of Orléans, but the Duke narrowly escaped the attempt. The next person he laid eyes on was unfortunately the Empress of Austria. He had failed once..... He didn’t fail again.....

[@dsnodgrass4843]

Sisi's beauty was a favorite subject of the European press, who had given her the name "The Queen Of Hearts". After Rudolf and Sisi's deaths, it was said that Franz-Josef was never, even for a moment, a happy man again. His sole remaining heir to the throne was his nephew, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose name you should know.

[@maggiemae7749]

He was shot

[@gipsydanger7379]

Could you cover Bram Stoker? He created one of the horror genres greatest characters. And was one hell of a writer.

[@kellyellsberry654]

I second this!

[@athenathegreatandpowerful6365]

Third this!

[@nosferatuoddz7974]

I fifth this

[@augsdoggs]

Just watched this one after scrolling by it on my watch list for several months. As usual with any Geo Graphics subject that I’m initially unfamiliar with, I was fascinated by the life and times that this woman lived and the presentation held my interest throughout.

[@lisaanderson135]

I love this type of documentary... casual yet very interesting and attention getting! Thank you 😊

[@courtneykhan8671]

This one appears to really pull on your heart strings, for good reason. Any story this tragic gives one pause. ♥️

[@kenxclout]

I love the content you guys have been uploading lately, I am really impressed keep them coming.

[@jamaicanmeangry4143]

Great comment! I feel the same.

[@crystalkittycat8517]

You should do one about Catherine the great.

[@giovannirastrelli9821]

Crystal Kittycat Amazing woman. Loved cock.

[@celeste3100]

There is one that he did.

[@sunburstshredder]

Nice work as always. Franz Joseph would be another one I'd like to see.

[@sonnythirteen]

These bios are fantastic. I’m getting skinny listening to these episodes.

[@PozoBlue]

I'd really like to see some day an unbiased biography of Catherine the Great of Russia. There are some claims that make it seem like all the good ideas & real power were all Potemkin (bios written by blokes) not her, but that doesn't match how everyone always described her as incredibly sharp & intelligent. & then movies that only focus on dumb romantic side. She was one of the longest living most powerful monarchs & I've never seen a bio that does her justice & shows what she did politically. Hope this channel one day does! thks Simon!

[@AgiXDLOLCOOLMUHAHAHA]

As a hungarian Sissi was my favorit princess when I was little

[@John_Fugazzi]

Very nicely done. One of her benign yet odd eccentricities was to travel in her coach in Vienna, then stop at a house and pay a surprise visit to the completely flabbergasted inhabitants. Nobility simply did not pay social calls on commoners, much less royalty and an empress at that. A member of the Wittelsbach family,she was also cousin and good friend of King Ludwig of Bavaria, builder of Neuschwanstein and other castles and no slouch at eccentricities himself. She said she was one of the few who understood him, and really, she probably was.

[@forjava]

My wife was born in Ludwig's Herren Chiemsee castle. From her baby playpen, she and her dog, witnessed the signing of Germany's Constitution, signed in her parents' living room.

[@virginagobetz4756]

@@forjava Wow !

[@ladycharlenegrace8023]

What a heart rending tale. Well done Simon. Well done!

[@davidogundipe808]

Who still remembers the Sissi the animated series and by the way felt sorry for the way she was treated.