Archduke Leo Karl of Austria

Leo Karl Maria Cyril-Methodius Habsburg-Lorraine, Archduke of Austria (5 July 1893 – 28 April 1939) was an Austro-Hungarian military officer, a member of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine. He was the fifth child and the second son of Archduke Charles Stephen of Austria and Archduchess Maria Theresia, Princess of Tuscany.

Archduke Leo Karl was his father’s answer to the Eastern European question, and became the would-be Regent of the Habsburgs' zone of influence in the Balkan region.

Early life
In 1913, Leo and his younger brother, Wilhelm, enrolled at the Theresian Military Academy in Wiener-Neustadt. Upon reaching 20 years of age, which was the age of majority in the Habsburg family, he was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece, a chivalric order. At this age, he was also inducted into the Upper House of Parliament. He served in the Austro-Hungarian Army until the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, after which he served with great distinction in the Polish Army.

Marriage and family
In October 1922, he married Austrian noblewoman Maria-Klothilde von Thuillières Gfn von Montjoye-Vaufrey et de la Roche (1893–1978), known among family as "Maja", at St. Stephen Cathedral in Vienna. The marriage was acceptable although morganatic. Their children were granted the title of Count of Habsburg.


 * Countess Maria Desiderata (3 August 1923 - 6 October 1988) - married Countess Wolfgang von Hartig (13 August 1922 - 20 January 1995) in 1947, divorcing in 1965; they have children.
 * Countess Mechtildis of Habsburg (14 August 1924 - 2000) - married Count Manfred Piatti (22 July 1924 - 1995) in 1948; they have children.
 * Countess Elizabeth of Habsburg (1927-2014) - unmarried; no children.
 * Count Leo Stefan of Habsburg (12 June 1928 – 3 February 2020) - married 1st Gabriele Kunert (15 June 1935 - 20 October 1975) in 1962 and divorcing in 1969; they have children; married 2nd Heide Aigner (born 16 October 1942) in 1973; they have children.

Later life
He lived on a portion of the Żywiec family estate that he and his brother, Albrecht, inherited from their father. Leo raised his children as Germans. He died of tuberculosis on 28 April 1939 at his estate in Bestwina, in southern Poland. Since he did not leave a will, the property was inherited by his wife Maja.

He was buried in the local cemetery in Bestwina, a countryside plot belonging to his family.