Death of an Archduke

June 13, 1905


Archduke Joseph of Austria died this morning, reports the New York Times.  He was 72 years old.   
The Archduke was born at Presburg, Hungary, on March 2, 1833.  He was educated in Hungary "as a Hungarian and in the Hungarian spirit."   

The archduke was "deeply loved by the Hungarian people."   Unlike other members of the Habsburg family, the young Archduke Joseph Karl Ludwig was educated "contrary to the accepted regulations of the Austrian court etiquette."  He grew up with "peasant boys as his playmates and companions."

In 1845, Archduke Joseph began his military career, joining his father's Hussar Regiment.   He served in numerous battles, including the battle of Königsgraetz in 1866.

On May 12, 1864,  at Coburg,  Archduke Joseph married Princess Clotilde of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, who survives him.

In the memory of a son, who was killed in a shooting accident, the Archduke and his wife, "dedicated an institution for the care of crippled children."    His late sister, Marie Henriette, was married to King Leopold II of the Belgians.