Duke Franz Karl of Austria was born on December 17, 1802, and was a member of the House of Habsburg. He was the son of Archduke Franz Karl of Austria and Princess Sophie of Bavaria. Franz Karl is best known for being the father of Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria, who ruled from 1848 to 1916. Franz Karl held the title of Duke of Teschen and was involved in various military and political matters during his lifetime. He played a significant role in the Habsburg family's influence in Central Europe, particularly during the turbulent times of the 19th century.