An Eccentric Prince in the Habsburg Court
Archduke Ludwig Viktor of Austria, the youngest brother of Emperor Franz Joseph, was known in his family by the nickname “Luziwuzi.” Indulged from childhood, he developed a reputation as an eccentric figure within the imperial household. His homosexuality was an open secret in private circles, though never acknowledged publicly due to the strict press censorship of the era.
Public references to his private life were limited to veiled remarks, such as those in Princess Nora Fugger’s memoirs, which described him as “puny, unmanly” and unlike his brothers. Even Franz Joseph, usually a stern head of the family, protected Ludwig Viktor and tolerated his escapades, though Empress Elisabeth accused him of causing strife with his sharp tongue and intrigues.
Privilege, Parties, and Public Whispers
Ludwig Viktor enjoyed the privileges of his rank, maintaining a residence on Vienna’s Schwarzenbergplatz designed by architect Heinrich Ferstel, and a grand summer retreat at Schloss Klessheim near Salzburg. In Salzburg, he became a prominent figure, patron of the Salzburg Society of Art, and host of lavish gatherings.
His popularity was tempered by caution; officers stationed in Salzburg were quietly forbidden from attending his events, citing his “unnatural inclinations.” While his lifestyle was tolerated for years, he made little effort to conceal it, and whispers about his private life continued despite the absence of public reporting.
The Public Baths Incident
The turning point came with a scandal at a men’s public bathhouse. According to contemporary accounts, Ludwig Viktor made unwanted advances that led to a physical altercation. Princess Fugger wrote that the archduke “had his ears boxed” and fled the scene. Reports of the incident, exaggerated in retelling, reached Emperor Franz Joseph.
Outraged, the emperor ordered his brother to leave Vienna at once and retire permanently to Schloss Klessheim. Some accounts suggest that Archduke Franz Ferdinand, who had clashed with Ludwig Viktor over his opposition to his morganatic marriage to Sophie, Countess Chotek, played a role in the decision to remove him from court life.
Final Years in Seclusion
Following his banishment, Ludwig Viktor spent the rest of his life in relative isolation at Schloss Klessheim. In 1915, during the First World War, he was declared insane and placed under supervision. He remained in Salzburg until his death in 1919, after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
He was buried in Siezenheim Cemetery, ending a life that had once moved at the heart of imperial society but concluded far from the political and social center of Vienna.
Nicknamed “Luziwuzi,” Archduke Ludwig Viktor, the youngest brother of Emperor Franz Joseph, lived under strict press censorship around his private life.
An open secret, a baths scandal, and an imperial order ended his place at court…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/8BSsBAuNQ8
— Fascinating True Stories (@FascinatingTrue) August 13, 2025