Assassination of Empress Elizabeth 'Sisi' of Austria . On 25th April 1854, a shy and melancholy bride, married into a major European royal house. Trembling and overcome with emotion, 16-year-old Elisabeth, known by her childhood nickname Sisi, was wed to the 23-year-old Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria, the absolute monarch of the largest empire in Europe, outside of Russia. Sisi’s husband, Franz Joseph, was hardworking and loved her very much, but he had little imagination, or much humor. Shy and unsure, Sisi crumbled under the strict court etiquette, which left her isolated and friendless. She bore Franz Joseph four children, during the first four years of their marriage, but only two, Crown Prince Rudolf and Archduchess Gisela, survived past infancy. Her melancholy and distaste for public life, was treated as a childish indulgence by her distracted husband. Despite her sombre character, Sisi captivated the public, thanks to her stunning beauty, and ankle-length chestnut h...