He was born in
Prangins, Switzerland, where the former Austrian Imperial family were staying after they had been sent into exile. He was named after
Rudolf IV, Duke of Austria. Educated with his siblings first in Spain, in Belgium and at the Université Laval in Quebec City, but Rudolf was expelled in 1946 once his membership in the formerly imperial
House of Habsburg was exposed due to rumors of him and his brother being part of
Austrian resistance. After the war he travelled to the United States, Canada and the
Belgian Congo. and a bank director. ==First marriage==