Sisi - Season 3

The proclamation of the republic and the fall of Napoleon III also lead to unrest in Vienna. Franz therefore decides to start his son Rudolf's military training earlier. At the same time, he orders Grünne to mingle incognito with the protesting workers in order to find out who their leader is. Sisi is unable to protect her sensitive son from the army and decides to free him on her own.

Sisi packs her things and leaves Franz an ultimatum. She will only return to court with Rudolf if Franz leaves the upbringing to her. Despite Franz's guards, who are hot on the heels of Sisi and Rudolf, they manage to escape. They are helped by the photographer Alma, who takes mother and son with her to the south of France. However, their arrival on a small, idyllic island does not go unnoticed.

Mother and son finally regain their zest for life on the island, while Sisi develops a trusting relationship with Alma. Franz fights against an alliance between the German Empire and Russia, which he can only prevent with the help of his mother. But then he finds out from a spy where Sisi and Rudolf are staying.

Franz visits Sisi and Rudolf in France. The family is finally reunited. Emperor and Empress spend a passionate night together, but the very next day Franz secretly takes Rudolf back to Vienna with him. Sisi and Franz try to forget each other in the arms of strangers. Franz's harsh treatment of the rebellious workers makes Grünne doubt his loyalty to the crown.

When Sisi learns that Franz has taken Rudolf out of the army, she returns to court. Despite their relationship problems, Sisi and Franz receive the Russian Tsar together for the alliance negotiations. Meanwhile, one of the unhappy workers makes his way to the Hofburg to carry out an assassination attempt on the imperial family.

Sisi learns that her son has been kidnapped by a laborer who demands the emperor's life in return for the crown prince's release. Closely followed by Franz, Sisi rides off to rescue Rudolf. While Archduchess Sophie and Countess Esterhazy take care of the German Chancellor Bismarck, Sisi and Franz find themselves in a seemingly hopeless situation.