Elisabeth’s love of Hungary
The Empress only once committed herself to pursuing a political issue with real vehemence. This was the ,ausgleich - Compromise – with Hungary. She adored the Hungarian temperament, the people’s love of freedom and their pride. To gain abetter understanding of the mentality and culture there, she even learned to speak the difficult Hungarian language perfectly. She took it on herself to reconcile the Hungarian people with her husband.
At the heart of the problem was Franz Joseph’s coronation, which the Hungarians insisted upon. At this was linked tot the re-ratification of the Hungarian constitution, which means the endorsement of ancient laws guaranteeing them a special position within the monarchy. Franz Joseph and his mother neither wanted to restrict the authority of the monarchy, nor to accept the idea that the God-given right of the monarch’s absolute power might be subjected to the will of the people. Sophie and Franz Joseph could not forgive the Hungarians for their participation in the revolution of 1848 and thought that they should be kept under control by the use of increased military force. They did not want to believe in any kind of Compromise. Despite this Sisi brought one about.
A deep fondness developed between the Empress and the leader of the pro-Hungarian movement, Count Gyula Andrassy, based on mutual personal fascination and a shared love of Hungary. It lasted until Andrassy’s death in 1890. Despite many rumours to the contrary, their friendship always remained a platonic one.
Even before the Compromise, Elisabeth often wore traditional Hungarian costume to demonstrate her love for the land.
Eljen Erzebeth - Queen of Hungary
The Viennese Court led by Archduchess Sophie was still against the pro-Hungarian movement. Elisabeth had learned to use her influence on the Emperor in the meantime, though. She had gone beyond the stage of begging for love and understanding, seeking a substitute for a lack of personal happiness in the realisation of her own aims and wishes instead. She won her cause at the start of 1867: The Compromise was ratified and Hungary’s old constitution was restored. Out of the Austrian Empire emerged the Dual Monarchy of Austria und Hungary.
There was nothing left to prevent a coronation. It was held on 6th June 1867 at St. Matthew’s in Budapest, and represented one of the most moving climaxes of her life. According to Hungarian tradition, at the coronation the crown was placed upon the king’s head and then held over the new queen’s right shoulder: Here the Archbishop of Hungary is passing the crown to Gyula Andrassy, the prima minister, for this ceremony.
Franz Liszt had composed his Coronation. Mass especially for the occasion and it was performed during the service. The magnificent celebrations lasted for four days and the royal couple was presented with Godolo Palace by the Hungarian people. It became one of Elisabeth’s favourite residences in the years to come. Today the palace is open tot the public.
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