Archduke Maximilian

 is a character on The Empress. He is portrayed by Johannes Nussbaum.

Biography
Maximilian is an Archduke of Austria. He is obsessed with outshining his older brother, Emperor Franz Joseph, and thinks he would be a better ruler.

Maximilian previously served in the Austrian navy, with the cousin of Countess Charlotte von Stubenberg.

Throughout The Empress
During his brother Emperor Franz Joseph's meeting with Duchess Helene, he sat with his brother Archduke Ludwig-Viktor, Baroness Francesca and Elisabeth. Ludwig-Viktor pretended to give his doll a cup of tea, which annoyed his brother Maximilian.

At a meeting, Maximilian's brother, Emperor Franz Joseph, heard news of wars in other countries. His mother, Sophie, wanted Franz to side with the Prussians and join their war against the Ottoman Empire. However, Maximilian wanted Franz to side with the West. Franz decided that the Austria would not go to war, disappointing his family and his advisors.

Franz discovered Max's promiscuous ways and introduced Lieutenant Krall to him. Lieutenant Krall lost an arm while fighting for the empire. His daughters Agnes and Emilie were both impregnated by Max, who had no intention of marrying either of them. Agnes died in childbirth. Emilie attempted to kill herself by jumping off a barn, and has lived in a sanatorium since. Franz told Max off and ordered that he must follow rules.

Maximilian invited Countess Louise Gundemann to the ball after Elisabeth and Franz's wedding. When Franz found out, he told Maximilian off. Franz angrily told his brother that bringing him back to Vienna was a mistake, which hurt Maximilian's feelings. Unbeknownst to Franz, Maximilian later backstabbed his brother by telling the ambassador that Franz did not plan to enter the war because he wanted Habsburg to prosper after the French, British and the Russians tear each other apart. Maximilian is later seen sitting on the Emperor's throne, seemingly imagining becoming emperor.

After Maximilian's betrayal of Franz, Napoleon severed diplomatic relations with Austria. The royal council were concerned and Sophie implored Franz to reinforce their troops. Believing that the tsar of Russia's son, Alexander, had views on war more like himself, Franz decided to invite him over to Austria to wager peace. Sophie said that there was not enough time to organise a grand reception, so Elisabeth suggested a hunting trip instead, which Franz agreed to.

Franz no longer trusted Maximilian, but his mother Sophie recommended that Franz gives him something to fill his time. During a fencing match, Franz offered Maxi the role of Chief Commander of the Imperial Navy. Maxi took offence as he knew that Austria was not strong in Navy, so he asked to be the Governor of Bohemia, or at least Tyrol, but Franz could not trust his brother with such an important role.

The hunting trip went extremely well, with Franz managing to barter peace with the Russian tsar's son, Alexander. However, Maximilian, who was plotting to overtake Franz as emperor and informed the council of this, showed up to the hunting trip uninvited, much to Franz's annoyance. While alone with Alexander, Maximilian told him the same thing he told the French ambassador, that Franz wanted the Russians and the West to destroy each other so that he could take the Ottoman Empire by himself. When he heard this, Alexander became angry that Franz tried to fool him into peace.

Maximilian had a one-night stand with Court Mistress, Countess Charlotte von Stubenberg. The next morning, Charlotte commented that the ring on Maximilian's hand looked like it was made for a lady. Charlotte asked where the lady was, to which Maximilian retorted that she was dead. Charlotte immediately became apologetic and Maximilian asked her to leave.

Personality
Maximilian is rather rude and very public with his displays of affection. He insulted his Italian girlfriend in German while she was standing next to him.

Maximilian is also mischievous and dislikes living in his brother's shadow. He often disagrees with his brother's views.

Physical appearance
Maximilian has dark blonde hair and blue eyes.

Appearances

 * Season One


 * One's Place in the World
 * The Arrival
 * The Wedding
 * The Wedding
 * The Hunt
 * The Shoes
 * The God Who Us Has Freedom Sent

Quotes
"Love alone often isn't enough, Luzi"

- Maximilian talking to his brother Ludwig-Viktor about Franz and Elisabeth's relationship

"My family has a talent for using pretty things for ugly purposes."

- Maximilian speaks to Elisabeth at his soirée