Her Royal Highness Duchess Elisabeth Amalie Eugenie Elisabeth was the daughter of Duke Maximilian and Princess Ludovika of Bavaria. They lived in Possenhofen Castle, away from the hubbub of the royal court. Sisi and her siblings enjoyed great freedom as children and she developed a grand passion for horseback riding in the beautiful countryside surrounding their castle. Possenhofen Castle Princess Sophie of Bavaria Mother of Franz Joseph Franz Joseph Princess Sophie of Bavaria, the domineering mother of 23-year-old Emperor Franz Joseph, arranged a betrothal to her neice, Helene, Sisi’s elder sister. Despite the fact they were in mourning because of the death of a member of the Bavarian royal family, Helene, Sisi, and their mother traveled to Bad Ischl to formalize the betrothal. They traveled in a large entourage, but arrived late due to their mother suffering a migraine. The carriage that carried their fancy dresses and gowns did not ar