Maximilian adopted descendants of Mexico's earlier imperial line, yet appears to have doubted their royal standing. Another possibility was to bring a son of Archduke Carl into the Mexican succession. The proposed heir, identified as Ferdinand, would become emperor in Mexico instead of remaining in line for the Austrian throne. As Mexican emperor, he could handle the restrictions surrounding his morganatic marriage differently. This remains a speculative choice of successor, dependent on the empire first surviving its immediate crisis.
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Adopted heirs and a possible Habsburg succession
A surviving empire would still face Maximilian's uncertain succession arrangements and the possibility of importing another Habsburg heir.