Empress Elisabeth, known as Sisi, was the Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary from 1854 to 1898, serving for nearly 44 years. She holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Empress of Austria. Born into a noble family in Bavaria, Germany, she was known for her beauty in her youth. After her marriage to Emperor Franz Joseph I, she became known for her diplomatic skills and played a significant role in fostering the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, which unified Austria and Hungary under a dual monarchy. Unlike many other royals, Elisabeth preferred spending time with common people rather than with aristocrats. She was extremely popular in Hungary and adored by the masses. An avid traveler, she spent much of her time away from the royal court, journeying through Europe. Tragically, she was assassinated by an Italian anarchist during a trip to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1898. While she was admired in public, Elisabeth's private life was troubled, primarily due to her difficult relationships with her husband and mother-in-law. The deaths of two of her children at a young age added to her emotional burdens. These factors took a toll on her health. A woman of strong character, she faced her challenges bravely and played a significant role in shaping the history of Austria and Hungary.