A lost world war, a crumbling empire, social cataclysm, a state of civil war. The confiscation of the wealth of a dynasty that, for half a millennium, had ruled over provinces, continents and dozens of nations left the family at the mercy of the victorious powers. After two years of rule, this was what the last Austrian Emperor and Hungarian King faced in 1918–1919.

The book deals only tangentially with major political issues, providing instead an insight into the daily life of a royal family in exile. Where the trifles of relocation override the bitterness of lost power and influence, paramount importance is given to the health of the seven children—and the still unborn eighth—who represent the future. Where much-vaunted words like honour and service take on new meanings.

Charles passed away on Madeira on 1 April 1922, knowing that at least those closest to him did not regard his short life as a failure. He had settled his accounts with himself and his Creator and, by holding himself up as an example to his heir, first-born Otto, he showed how a Christian monarch bears misfortune and leaves life on earth with humility and reconciliation.

With faith and a clear conscience.

And that was probably the most important thing he could leave him.

ISBN: 978-615-81817-5-4

Edited by: Gergely Fejérdy, István Gergely Szűts, Ferenc Vasbányai

Year of publication: 2024

Publisher: Otto von Habsburg Foundation

Place of publication: Budapest

Language: English

Number of pages: 288