In 1890 Empress Elisabeth of Austria aroused much public attention when expressing her firm support for her favorite daughter, Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria, marrying for love rather than dynastic considerations. The Empress declared that "Marie may marry even a chimney sweep, if she so desired". In practice, however, Archduchess Marie's chosen bridegroom was no chimney sweep, but just a minor and undistinguished member of the reigning Habsburg family.
