Netflix's The Empress tells the historical story of Elisabeth "Sisi" von Wittelsbach, the Duchess of Bavaria who marries Franz Joseph, the Emperor of Austria after a whirlwind romance. However, her married life crumbles due to the troubles posed by her mother-in-law, Sophie, the Archduchess of Austria.
The first season of the series largely focuses on Sisi’s struggles in the Austrian court as a newlywed. The second season continues her journey, showcasing the trials and tribulations she faces as a young mother.
In The Empress season 2, Sisi gives birth thrice, and with every child, her relationship dynamics with Franz and his family keep changing. Since the show is based on real-life personalities, the audience is bound to have one question: how many children did Empress Elisabeth of Austria have?
Sisi birthed four children in real life. While three of them have already been seen in the second season, the fourth child will likely be seen in future installments of the series.
How many children did Empress Elisabeth of Austria have?
Empress Elisabeth of Austria mothered four children in her life: Sophie Friederike, Gisela, Rudolf, and Marie Valerie. As seen in The Empress, Sisi gave birth to Sophie in 1855, when she was only 17 years old.
Sophie tragically passed away at just two years old during a trip to Hungary. Her death severely affected Sisi and Franz Joseph's marriage and pulled them apart. Meanwhile, Sisi had her second child, daughter Gisela, in 1856.
However, she was still facing pressure to bear a male child who could be the heir to the throne. Elisabeth then got pregnant for the third time and welcomed her son Rudolf in 1858. However, after having children, Sisi was not very involved in raising them.
The kids were mostly cared for by their strict grandmother, Archduchess Sophie since people thought Sisi was too young and inexperienced to be a good mother. The children grew distant from their mother, and Rudolf faced a lot of pressure as the future emperor.
His life was full of personal struggle, and he died by suicide with his lover Mary Vetsera in 1889. The incident was a huge blow to both Sisi and Franz. Sisi’s fourth child, Marie Valerie, was born in 1868 in Budapest and was nicknamed the ‘Hungarian child.’
Sisi was very close to her youngest daughter and raised her with Hungarian traditions. Marie Valerie later married Archduke Franz Salvator and had ten children. She was known for her kindness, which earned her the title ‘Angel of Wallsee.’
Sisi’s children are central to the plot in The Empress season 2
Elisabeth's children form a significant plotline in The Empress season 2. The season begins by showing Sisi having already given birth to Sophie and being pregnant with Gisela.
At the same time, Archduchess Sophie’s need for male heirs builds pressure on Elisabeth, and she struggles with her role as both a mother and empress. Things take a turn for the worse when the family visits Hungary, and baby Sophie unfortunately dies from typhoid fever.
The loss leads Franz to make impulsive decisions as the emperor, while he also faces issues in his marriage. Meanwhile, Sisi returns to her childhood home for comfort. There, she gains the strength to reunite with Franz. Later, she finally gives birth to a son, the long-awaited male heir, Rudolph.
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This briefly brings peace to the family, but Sophie’s increasing control over the children makes Elisabeth uncomfortable. Sisi’s children soon grow apart from their mother under the influence of their grandfather. On the other hand, Sisi continues to deal with her responsibilities as a mother while being part of a rigid royal family.
The Empress seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Netflix.
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