Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria was born on August 21, 1858, in Vienna, the only son of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth of Austria. He was the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne and was educated in various subjects, including military strategy and statecraft. Rudolf's life was marked by personal struggles and political challenges. He became known for his liberal views and interest in reforming the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Tragically, he died on January 30, 1889, in a suspected murder-suicide at Mayerling, an event that deeply affected the Habsburg dynasty.