The Empress of Farewells: The Story of Charlotte, Empress of Mexico

"The Empress of Farewells" tells the story of Charlotte, daughter of King Leopold I of Belgium, wife of Archduke Maximilian of Austria. After their marriage they became viceroys of Lombardy-Venetia - until Italian unification left them without a future. During this time, England, France and Spain set up a European empire in Mexico, naming Maximilian Emperor. But intrigue dogged the new regime. In Rome to plead for aid from the Pope, Charlotte collapsed and was imprisoned by her in-laws. Meanwhile, Maximilian was apprehended and executed. Charlotte's life was part romance, part adventure, and part mystery. Prince Michael of Greece draws on previously unpublished documents held by the royal families to tell her story.