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Despite these geopolitical barriers, Karl persisted. He believed external support, particularly from France, would be crucial. Though many official entities dismissed his claims—France explicitly denied supporting a Habsburg restoration—Karl and his loyalists kept the hope alive.
The First Attempt: March 1921
Karl’s first clandestine effort to regain the throne took place in March 1921. Under the guise of a disguise and armed with a false Spanish passport, Karl traveled through France into Hungary. His supporters had begun to organize on the ground, hoping to expedite his return.