The Austrian Empire, mid-19th century. When Emperor Francis Joseph and his cousin Isabel of Bavaria know each other, they fall in love with each other and, shortly afterwards, they enter into marriage, despite the opposition of the boyfriend's severe mother, Archduchess Sofia. However, it is not long before disagreements arise between the two women: Sissi's liberal education and spontaneity clash head-on with the intransigence of her mother-in-law, who has proposed that the new Austrian Empress conform to the traditions and rigid protocol of the Habsburg court. Meanwhile, the Austrian empire faces major changes. Sissi's great popularity among its subjects, the liberal influence she exerts on her husband and her determined support for the Hungarian cause will help to avoid serious internal conflicts in the country.