Queen Marie Henriette was born on August 23, 1836, in Brussels, Belgium. She was the daughter of King Leopold I of Belgium and Louise-Marie of Orléans. In 1853, she married Archduke Franz Karl of Austria, becoming the Empress of Austria through her marriage. Marie Henriette was known for her charitable work and support of the arts. She faced personal challenges, including a troubled marriage and the loss of several children. Despite these difficulties, she remained a prominent figure in the Austrian court until her death on September 19, 1902, in Bad Ischl, Austria.