Karl I of Austria, also known as Charles I, was the last Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, reigning from 1916 to 1918. Born on August 17, 1887, he was a member of the Habsburg dynasty and ascended to the throne during World War I. His reign was marked by efforts to negotiate peace and reform the empire, but he faced significant challenges due to the ongoing war and internal strife. After the defeat of Austria-Hungary in 1918, Karl I was forced to abdicate and went into exile. He made two unsuccessful attempts to regain the throne in Hungary in 1921. He died in exile on April 1, 1922, in Madeira, Portugal, and was later beatified by the Catholic Church in 2004.