Duchess Helene

 is a character on The Empress. She is portrayed by Elisa Schlott.

Biography
Helene is the sister of Empress Elisabeth.

Throughout The Empress
Archduchess Sophie, the mother of Emperor Franz Joseph, arranged for Franz to marry Helene, as it would legitimise the Austrian Empire's claim over Bavaria.

Helene, her mother Princess Ludovika, and her sister Elisabeth travelled to Bad Ischl to meet Franz on his birthday. While Helene's family were at Bad Ischl, Franz met Helene's younger sister, Elisabeth, and fell in love with her. She reminded him of what he was like before he became Emperor. He proclaimed his intention to marry Elisabeth, to the surprise of everyone. Helene was upset and angry, and this caused a strain on the two sisters' relationship.

Upon Helene's family's arrival at the Viennese Court prior to Franz and Elisabeth's wedding, Helene cut her hair. At the soirée before the night before the wedding, Elisabeth ran into Helene. Helene was still upset and bemoaned Elisabeth's lack of maturity and courage to face the difficult things in life, to which Elisabeth replied that Helene had become like their mother.

On the morning of the wedding, Esterházy was furious as Elisabeth wasn't found in her bed. Instead, Elisabeth was hiding behind the curtains. Helene found her and the two sisters reconciled their relationship.

After the wedding, Elisabeth requested Countess Esterházy to allow Helene to head her court, which greatly concerned Esterházy.

Later at a ball, when Elisabeth was nowhere to be found, Franz chatted with Helene. Elisabeth saw this and misinterpreted their friendly gestures. Sophie saw Elisabeth feeling uncomfortable and advised Elisabeth to trust carefully and pose her faith only in those whom her instincts tell her to. She told Elisabeth that she could wed Helene off to one of the fine men in Bohemia.

Elisabeth agreed and proceeded to the first dance with Franz. Helene was heartbroken when the news was broken to her.

Physical appearance
Helene has shoulder-length blonde hair.

Appearances

 * Season One


 * One's Place in the World
 * The Arrival
 * The Wedding

Trivia

 * According to her mother Princess Ludovika, Helene speaks excellent Bohemian (now known as Czech) and has made excellent progress in French.