Princess Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi, was born on December 24, 1837, in Munich, Germany. She became the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary through her marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1854. Elisabeth was known for her beauty, intelligence, and strong-willed personality, which often set her apart from the rigid court life. Throughout her life, Elisabeth struggled with the pressures of royal duties and personal tragedies, including the death of her son, Rudolf. She was also an avid traveler and spent much of her time in Hungary, where she was beloved for her support of Hungarian independence. Elisabeth's life was marked by both glamour and deep sorrow.