Gyula Andrássy

Count Gyula Andrássy de Csíkszentkirály et Krasznahorka, also known in Spanish as Julio Andrássy (Kassa, 1823 – Volosca, 1890) was a Hungarian nobleman and politician of the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Biography

He represented Zemplén in the Diet or Parliament of Pressburg (1847-1848) and, during the year of the revolution, defended the cause of Hungarian independence. He was expatriated to France and the United Kingdom. Accepted by the amnesty of 1857, he returned to Hungary and defended the Hungarian autonomous policy within the Austrian Empire. Following the compromise of 1867 he was prime minister and minister of defense, and from 1871, minister of foreign affairs of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, concluding the treaty of 1879 with the German Empire.

It was unfoundedly rumored that Count Andrássy was the lover of Empress Sissi of Austria-Hungary and that her daughter, Maria Valeria, was not Franz Joseph's, but the count's, but the rumors were silenced upon seeing the great resemblance of this one to the emperor.

One of the most important urban streets in Budapest, Andrássy Avenue, is dedicated to his figure. In the cinema he was played by Walther Reyer in the films Sissi Empress and Sissi's Destiny .

Marriage and children

He was married to Countess Katinka Kendeffy with whom he had four children.

• Tivadar Andrássy (1857-1905): Political, first husband of the Countess Eleonóra Zichy de Zich et Vásonkeő (1867-1945).
• Ilona Andrássy (1858-1952): Bride of Count Batthyány of Németújvár.
• Manó Andrássy (?)
• Gyula Andrássy the young man (1860-1929): Political, second husband of the widow of her older brother.

Titles and Distinctions

01/07/1875. Granted title and Greatness of Spain by Alfonso