The Last King of Italy

The Last King of Italy. The last king to rule Italy was Umberto II, who reigned from May 9, 1946, until the abolition of the monarchy on June 2, 1946. He was the son of Victor Emmanuel III and Princess Elena, and the grandson of Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy. His reign was marked by significant events, including the Italian Campaign during World War II, the Yalta Conference, and the Potsdam Conference.

Introduction

The House of Savoy had ruled Italy since the country's unification in 1861, with Victor Emmanuel II as the first King of Italy. The monarchy played a significant role in Italian history, with notable figures such as Umberto I, Victor Emmanuel III, and Margherita of Savoy. The Italian Royal Family was also connected to other European royal families, including the House of Bourbon and the House of Habsburg. The Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Saint-Germain had a significant impact on Italy and its monarchy, leading to the rise of Mussolini and the National Fascist Party.

Umberto II

Umberto II was born on September 15, 1904, in Racconigi, Italy, to Victor Emmanuel III and Princess Elena. He was educated at the Accademia Navale in Livorno and later at the University of Turin. In 1930, he married Princess Marie-José of Belgium, daughter of Albert I of Belgium and Elisabeth of Bavaria. The couple had four children: Princess Maria Pia, Vittorio Emanuele, Princess Maria Gabriella, and Princess Maria Beatrice. Umberto II was also a member of the Order of the Garter and the Order of the Golden Fleece.

Reign

The reign of Umberto II began on May 9, 1946, after the abdication of his father, Victor Emmanuel III. During his reign, Italy was occupied by the Allies, and the country was undergoing significant changes, including the constitutional referendum and the establishment of the Italian Republic. The Council of Ministers and the Chamber of Deputies played important roles in shaping the country's future. The Treaty of Peace with Italy was signed in 1947, officially ending World War II for Italy. The European Coal and Steel Community and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization were also established during this period, with Italy as a founding member.

Abolition of the Monarchy

The constitutional referendum was held on June 2, 1946, in which the Italian people voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic. The referendum was the result of a long process, which began with the Italian resistance movement during World War II and the subsequent Italian Campaign. The National Liberation Committee and the Italian Communist Party played significant roles in the referendum. The Christian Democracy party, led by Alcide De Gasperi, also supported the establishment of a republic. The Monarchy of Italy was officially abolished on June 2, 1946, and Enrico De Nicola was appointed as the provisional Head of State.

Exile and Later Life

After the abolition of the monarchy, Umberto II went into exile in Portugal, where he lived in Cascais until his death on March 18, 1983. He was buried in the Abbey of Hautecombe in France. During his exile, Umberto II remained involved in Italian politics, supporting the Monarchist National Party and the Italian Liberal Party. He also maintained close relationships with other European royal families, including the House of Bourbon and the House of Habsburg. The Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the Order of the Crown of Italy were also established during this period.

Legacy

The legacy of Umberto II is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the tumultuous period in which he lived. He played a significant role in Italian history, particularly during World War II and the subsequent Italian Campaign. The Treaty of Peace with Italy and the establishment of the Italian Republic marked the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a new era for Italy. The European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization have also played important roles in shaping Italy's future. Today, the House of Savoy remains an important part of Italian history and culture, with many of its members still involved in Italian politics and society, including Vittorio Emanuele and Princess Maria Gabriella. Category:Italian monarchs