On January 30th, 1889, Rudolf, the Crown Prince of Austria passed away at the age of thirty. He was a member of the royal house of Habsburg, and the heir apparent to the throne. He was born on August 21, 1858 in Schloss Laxenburg, the son of Emperor Franz Josef I and Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria. Rudolf was a gifted student, and an acclaimed horseman, composer, and poet. He also wrote a treatise on equestrianism. He was an advocate for military reforms, and strived to modernize the educational system of the empire. Rudolf died under uncertain circumstances at his hunting lodge in Mayerling. He is remembered for his dedication to reform and education, and his influence in the Kingdom of Austria-Hungary.