History Extra podcast Sisi & Eugénie: the empresses who redefined royalty
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Jun 26, 2025 In a captivating discussion, author Nancy Goldstone reveals the lives of two stunning empresses, Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France. She explores how they challenged societal norms, with Sisi promoting women's rights and Eugénie redefining royal roles through sports and politics. Goldstone dives into their tumultuous experiences, including Eugénie's struggles with Napoleon III's infidelities and their shared grief over lost sons. This conversation brings to light their resilience and the lasting legacies these remarkable women left on royalty.
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How Nancy Found Sisi and Eugénie
- Nancy Goldstone discovered Empress Elizabeth ('Sisi') by chance in a Prague bookstore, mistaking her for a fairy tale character.
- She paired Sisi's story with Empress Eugénie of France to explore two fascinating 19th-century empresses.
Sisi's Progressive, Athletic Youth
- Sisi grew up in liberal Bavaria with a progressive family that loved arts and poetry.
- Her wild, athletic youth shaped her unconventional approach to empire life.
Eugénie's Influential Background
- Eugénie came from a politically connected Spanish family with a cultured, enterprising mother.
- Her father, a Napoleonic war hero, inspired her admiration for Napoleon and belief in hero-led government.