Franz Ferdinand did have some progressive ideas, but I wonder whether he would have made a good Emperor, because he absolutely hated the Hungarians. After all, he travelled to Sarajevo by sea in order to avoid setting foot on Hungarian territory.
Now, for some light relief, how about that charming but unintentionally comic pairing, Franz, Duke of Teck, and Princess Mary Adelaide? I tend to prefer the sensible and serious-minded, but these two make me smile, having to flee to Florence to get away from their creditors. Franz was, of course, a very handsome man, and I have visions of him being squashed by the gigantic Mary Adelaide when she rolled over in her sleep. They then had three sensible and serious-minded children, plus that chip off the old block, Francis of Teck, who began his career of profligacy by throwing his housemaster at Wellington over a hedge for a bet!
Ann
