Duchess Helene

A Sister's Story: Duchess Helene in Bavaria

Duchess Helene in Bavaria, often overshadowed by her more famous sister, Sisi (Empress Elisabeth of Austria), led a remarkable life filled with disappointment and triumph.

Known affectionately as Nené by her family, Helene's story is one of resilience, love, and a legacy that continues to captivate historians and royal enthusiasts.

While her life is often defined by the fact that Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria left her standing empty-handed at what should have been her engagement ball, her story did not stop there. Her life was far from ordinary.

Behind the Shadow of Sisi: The Story of Duchess Helene

A Princess Destined for Greatness: The Young Life of Duchess Helene

Hélène and Sisi

Born in 1834, Helene Caroline Therese, known as "Néné," was the daughter of Maximilian Joseph, Duke in Bavaria, and Princess Ludovika of Bavaria. She was the older sister of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria, and was a member of the Bavarian royal familie via her mother.

She enjoyed the same carefree upbringing on the beautiful shores of Lake Starnberg as Sisi and their siblings. She received a classical education that included literature, history, music, and the arts. She was known for her strong religious devotion. Despite this, she was often described as difficult and did not possess the same level of beauty as her sisters.

The most devastating scene in the Sissi film is of course,  when Franz Joseph appears with his flowers, walks straight past Helene and gives them to Sisi instead. The horror! The humiliation!

Hopefully, in reality, Franz Joseph had a more diplomatic approach when he decided he wanted to marry the younger sister. If not, it could be the reason why Helene looks so angry on all her pictures!

In 1853, Helene traveled to Bad Ischl with her mother Ludovika and sister Sisi, with the expectation of an engagement between Helene and Emperor Franz Joseph. Their mothers, sisters themselves, had orchestrated the visit. Helene, known for her obedience and piety, seemed a perfect match.

Duchess Helene in Bavaria

The Royal Match: Helene's Engagement to Franz Joseph

Being the eldest daughter, and member of the Bavarian royal family, she was one of Europe's most eligable bagelorettes, even though she wasn't the most beautiful one.  Also, she was already 20 years old during the famous visit to Bad Ischl for her cousin Franz-Joseph's birthday. It therefore seems logical to assume that she was the intended fiancée for the Austrian Emperor. Yet, recent research suggests this was mere speculation. Neither Archduchess Sophie nor Ludovika, sisters themselves, mentioned such an arrangement in their correspondence. While they may have agreed on it verbally, we will never know for sure.

However, the popular narrative, as depicted in both the classic 1956 Sissi films and the recent Netflix series, paints this picture.

Helene accompanies her mother and younger sister Sisi to Franz Joseph's birthday ball.

The intriguing mothers and Helene did not take account of Franz Joseph’s opinion. When he met the 15-year-old Sisi, he fell head over heels in love with her, and he chose her as his wife, instead of Helene.

Helene has to endure the humiliation of suddenly being at the wrong engagement party, not hers as a future empress, but her little sister's, who runs off with Prince Charming!

A Heartbroken Princess: Franz Joseph's Betrayal

Sisi and Franz-Joseph are engaged immediately and get married very soon. Duchess Helene has to go back to Possenhofen alone.

Helene fell into a deep depression, wouldn’t we all after such disgrace?

Not only was she left without the prospect of a royal marriage, but the rejection was also deeply personal. She had been groomed for the position of empress, and now, unexpectedly, her younger sister was chosen instead. This change in plans created tension within the family, as well as a complicated relationship between Helene and Sisi. 

Helene finds a prince of herself

Helene, Princess of Thurn and Taxis

Helene withdrew somewhat from society to regroup emotionally. She spend a while in Potsdam with her aunt, queen Elisabeth Ludovika of Prussia and did not want to go back to Possenhofen. It was during this period that her deep religious devotion began to shape her life.

Helene's parents were afraid that she would join a convent, and especially her mother, Princess Ludovika, was eager to find a suitable husband for her.

She found an ideal candidate in Maximilian Anton Lamoral, the Hereditary Prince of Thurn and Taxis,  a member of one of the wealthiest noble families in Europe.

She simply invited the whole Thurn und Taxis family for a hunting party at Possenhofen. Ludovika made sure that Helene and Maximilian would meet at the dinner afterwards.

Maximilian Anton Lamoral, 7th Prince of Thurn and Taxis

This time, love blossomed. Despite initial disapproval from the King of Bavaria due to Maximilian's lineage, Helene and Maximilian's growing affection ultimately won support.

With a little encouragement from Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph, who probably felt they owed Helene some happiness after the heartbreak of Franz Joseph's choice, the king was persuaded to approve the match.

The engagement was soon announced, and the marriage was celebrated by both families and welcomed by the Bavarian nobility.

Princess Helene of Thurn and Taxis

Helene and Maximillian and 2 of their children

Helene and Maximilian were married on August 24, 1858, at Possenhofen Castle. The wedding was attended by many members of the European aristocracy and marked the beginning of Helene’s life within the Thurn and Taxis family.

Helene and Maximilian enjoyed a happy marriage, residing in the beautiful Schloss Thurn und Taxis in Regensburg. They had four children, and their descendants still live there today

In fact, Helene was the only Wittelsbach child with a happy marriage.  In the end, Franz Joseph and Sisi’s love story may have been a blessing in disguise for her.

Yet misfortune kept following Helene. Maximilian had weak health and died very young at the age of 35 from kidney failure. Their marriage had lasted less than ten years, leaving Helene widowed far too soon. He died before his father, so he did not become Prince. 

After Maximilian's untimely death, Helene assumed the role of regent for her young son, Maximilian Maria, who inherited the title of Prince of Thurn and Taxis. Displaying remarkable resilience and skill, she managed the family’s vast estates and affairs, guiding the lineage through a period of uncertainty.

Tragically, her eldest son, too, would die young, forcing Helene once again to step into the regency—this time for her second son, Albert.

Despite these personal losses, Helene’s leadership preserved the stability and prominence of the Thurn and Taxis family, earning her widespread respect within Bavarian nobility for her unyielding dedication and strength in the face of repeated misfortune.

did sisi and helene make up?

As the years went on, both sisters dealt with their own tough times. Despite everything, they found some common ground through their shared experiences of loss and responsibility. Helene's ability to forgive and Sisi's growing sense of maturity helped them come together, and they eventually became a source of emotional support for each other.

From the Opregte Haarlemsche Courant (dutch newspaper)

10-08-1861

At the request of the Emperor, the Hereditary Princess Helene of Thurn and Taxis will travel to Corfu to stay with H.M. the Empress of Austria, her sister, during this summer and the coming winter.

Descendants ofPrincess Helene of Thurn und Taxis

Albert II, the 12th Prince of Thurn und Taxis

Helene dies on 16 May 1890, age 56. She is buried in the St. Emmeram's Abbey, the family crypt of the Thurn und Taxis family.

Today the descendants of Duchess Helene still live in Schloss Thurn und Taxis in Regensburg.  Prince Albert II, the 12th Prince of Thurn und Taxis, born in 1983 is now head of the family. He is the great-great-grandson of Duchess Helene, a billionaire and (ladies!) still single!

Visit  Regensburg

Regensburg is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic center boasts stunning architecture, including the iconic Stone Bridge, the magnificent Regensburg Cathedral, and the charming narrow streets lined with colorful houses.

To explore the medieval city of Regensburg you can take a day trip from Munich. With a guide you will take a walking tour in the narrow streets and squares of this UNESCO-listed Old Town (Altstadt).

You can also explore the majestic St. Emmeram's Abbey, where Duchess Helene, the sister of Empress Sisi, is buried.

If you want to spend more that one day in Regensburg, accommodations can be found here.

Some suggestions:

Park Hotel Maximilian

If you want to spend your time in Regensburg in style, book at this Bavarian palace in Baroque-style. It is now a 4 star hotel in the centre of the Old Town with easy access to restaurants and shopping. As it is located in the heart of the city of Regensburg, with its long history and many museum, the location is perfect. 

Castle Hotel Regensburg

Much cheaper, but with great views on the Castle Thurn and Taxis, you can stay at this  Bed and Breakfast with 7 rooms. It is also located in the center of Regensburg, right across the Palace St. Emmeran, house of Thurn und Taxis.