Francisco I of Mexico (Napoleon IV)

Ferdinand Carlos I is the current King of Mexico since Maximilian I's death in 1902.

Early life
Archduke Ferdinand Karl was born in 1868, the son of Archduke Karl Ludwig of Austria and Princess Maria Annunciata of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

Crown Prince of Mexico
When his uncle Maximilian became the Emperor of Mexico he had no heirs and therefore adopted two grandsons of the former Mexican Emperor Augustín de Iturbide. Maximilian did not intend for them to become the Emperor, it was just a charade to get his brother Karl Ludwig to give him one of his sons, which he finally accepted in 1872, on the conditions that Ferdinand Karl was allowed to stay until his confirmation. Ferdinand Karl was unsure about becoming the Crown Prince of Mexico, a country so far away from his family. Ferdinand Karl finally arrived in Mexico in 1883 at the age of 15. Ferdinand Karl was adopted by Emperor Maximilian I and was put before his foster brothers in the line of succession.

Marriage
Ferdinand Karl returned to Europe in 1887 to marry Maria Letizia Bonaparte. They had a son named Franz in 1892.

Emperor of Mexico
Ferdinand Karl and Maria accompanied Maximilian I to Paris to attend the marriage of François, Prince Imperial of the French and Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria. Maximilian was 69 years old but determined to attend what was seen as the biggest event of the year, or perhaps even decade. The wedding lasted for many days, but Maximilian collapsed on the last day and was brought to the hospital. He was pronounced dead the next day. Back in Mexico the news of the Emperors death and the absence of the Crown Prince led to Augustín de Iturbide, Ferdinand's older foster brother to declare himself regent and attempt to take control of the country in the Iturbide Rebellion. Ferdinand and Maria hurried home and was able to put down the rebellion. Ferdinand Karl was crowned Emperor Ferdinand Carlos II.

Reign
Ferdinand Carlos I reign has been marked by unrest, as different factions are beginning to emerge in Mexico. Many believe that the Iturbide rebellions was just a little taste of what is to come.