10. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and Sophie Chotek
Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie Chotek, fought long and hard for the privilege of marrying each other. A member of the Habsburg Dynasty, Ferdinand could not marry outside of the reigning dynasties of Europe (or formerly reigning dynasties, such as the Bonapartes). Sophie’s family did not enjoy such lofty credentials. Ferdinand finally obtained permission for the marriage from Emperor Franz Josef in 1899, promising that he would renounce the right of any children from the marriage ascending to the throne of the empire. Sophie was not allowed to appear beside him in public in Austria, nor ride in the royal carriage. They were married in Bohemia in July 1900, and had four children, the last a stillborn son in 1908.
In 1914, during a visit to the province of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the restrictions against appearing together did not apply, they rode through the streets of Sarajevo together in an open automobile. They were assassinated side-by-side by Gavrilo Princip, who shot first Franz, then Sophie. Earlier that day they had been uninjured during a bombing attack by anarchists. Princip was another such anarchist. Though during life Sophie could not often appear at her husband’s side, they were buried together, side by side, in Artstetten Castle in Austria. Princip died in prison in 1918. The assassination was the final catalyst in the long buildup to war in Europe, and is generally regarded as the first shot of the First World War.