Emperor Francis II of Austria

Archduke Francis Charles of Austria (1802-1878) was the son of Emperor Francis I of Austria.
Francis Charles' elder brother, Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria, abdicated on December 2, 1848.
Ferdinand I was succeeded by his nephew, Francis Joseph I.

Suppose the Archduchess Sophie had not urged Francis Charles to renounce his claims to the throne.
Suppose in 1848 Francis Charles becomes Emperor Francis II of Austria. What happens then?
 
The Archduchess Sophie's ambition to place her oldest son on the Austrian throne was a constant theme in Austrian politics.
After the accession of Francis Joseph I, Sophie became the power behind the throne.
How much power and influence would Sophie have had as an Imperial Empress Consort?
 
The Archduchess Sophie's ambition to place her oldest son on the Austrian throne was a constant theme in Austrian politics.
After the accession of Francis Joseph I, Sophie became the power behind the throne.
How much power and influence would Sophie have had as an Imperial Empress Consort?

A problem with this is that Francis thought he wasn't competent to become Emperor, especially during the whole mess of 1848/1849, which is ultimately why he abandoned his claims in favour of his son.

What is happening in your theoretical TL that changes is self-perception?
 
What is happening in your theoretical TL that changes is self-perception?

In this scenario, the Archduke Francis Charles is a very confident young man.
He had the finest upbringing. He had the finest education.
He is intelligent in military matters.
Some of his educators remark that Francis Charles should have been born before his brother Ferdinand so that he, Francis Charles, would be the heir to the imperial throne.
He and the Archduchess Sophie get along excellently.
 
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