Emperor of Austria

Emperor of Austria
Kaiser von Österreich Kaiser von Oesterreich Pre-1918 spelling
Imperial
Coat of arms (until 1915)
Last to reign Charles I 21 November 1916 – 11 November 1918
Details
Style	His Imperial Majesty
First monarch	Francis I
Last monarch	Charles I
Formation	11 August 1804
Abolition	11 November 1918
Residence	Hofburg (main residence) Schönbrunn (summer residence)
Appointer	Hereditary
Pretender(s)	Karl von Habsburg

The emperor of Austria (German: Kaiser von Österreich) was the ruler of the Austrian Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The hereditary imperial title and office was proclaimed in 1804 by Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor, a member of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, and continually held by him and his heirs until Charles I relinquished power in 1918.

The emperors retained the title of Archduke of Austria. The wives of the emperors held the title empress, while other members of the family held the titles of archduke or archduchess.