Top: Count Josef Hoyos-Sprinzenstein (1839-1899) (detail)

Source: Osterreichische Nationalbibliothek (Austrian National Library)

9. Suicide Plans (continued)

It is likely that Rudolf and Mary made their final, fatal decision by January 13, 1889. The date is conspicuously marked in Mary's pocket diary. The reason is made clear in her last letter to Hermine, not dated but probably sent on January 14:

"Dear Hermine, I have a confession to make to you today that will make you very angry. I was with him yesterday from 7 to 9. We both lost our heads, and I – have become a woman! – now we belong to each other body and soul! – I can't wait for the day when we meet again. I hope to get away from the ball on Saturday, and then I'll hurry to him!" (Jilek).

In her final letter to her sister Hanna she requested that a gardenia be placed on her tomb every year on January 13.

To commemorate the date even more indelibly Mary gave Rudolf a gold cigarette case inscribed "In gratitude to a kindly fate! January 13, 1889". In return Rudolf gave her a steel cigarette case inscribed with his name and decorated with a sapphire.

Mary made out her will on January 18th, leaving rings and other jewellery to various friends. She hid the will, the cigarette case and several pictures of Rudolf in a locked strongbox in her bedroom. After her death the rings and jewellery were found there.

Rudolf and Mary planned to end their lives at Mayerling on February 1st or 2nd, the dates on which Rudolf invited two close friends, Prince Philipp of Coburg and Count Josef Hoyos-Sprinzenstein, to join him there for a hunt.

Prince Phillip of Coburg was Rudolf's brother-in-law, married to Princess Stephanie's older sister, Princess Louise of Belgium – the sister who had found Rudolf "more than handsome, he was seductive.... He was disturbing."

Prince Phillip's full name was Ferdinand Philipp Maria August Raphael of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha and he was Queen Victoria's nephew by marriage. Rudolf's nickname for him was "Fat Boy."

Count Hoyos, a bachelor, had been Rudolf's hunting companion for over ten years. Both he and Prince Philipp were considerably older than 30-year-old Rudolf. Hoyos was 49 and Philipp was 44.

Little did they know the roles that Rudolf had cast them to fill. He evidently trusted both men to deal with the aftermath of his planned suicide in a responsible and discreet manner.