Umberto II, the last King of Italy, reigned briefly in 1946, died in 1983 in exile; Credit – Wikipedia
Prior to its unification in 1861, the territory that is now Italy was a group of kingdoms and duchies. The establishment of the Kingdom of Italy was the result of efforts by Italian nationalists and monarchists loyal to the House of Savoy. Vittorio Emanuele II became King of Sardinia upon the abdication of his father in 1849. He then became a driving force behind the Italian unification movement along with Giuseppe Garibaldi, a general and nationalist, and Giuseppe Mazzini, a politician and journalist.
Garibaldi conquered Naples and Sicily, the territories of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, while the Sardinian troops occupied the central territories of the Italian peninsula, except Rome and part of Papal States. With all the newly acquired land, Vittorio Emanuele was proclaimed the first King of the new, united Kingdom of Italy in 1861. In June 1940, Italy entered World War II on the side of Germany, despite Vittorio Emanuele III’s warnings that the country was unprepared for war. Due to his early support of Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, Vittorio Emanuele III realized that he did not have the total support of the Italian people. In 1944, he transferred all of his royal powers to his son, the future King Umberto II, who was created Lieutenant General of the Realm. Vittorio Emanuele was king in name only.
After World War II, there was to be a referendum to decide whether to retain the monarchy or become a republic. Before the referendum, hoping to save the monarchy, King Vittorio Emanuele III formally abdicated on May 9, 1946, in favor of his son. The referendum was held on June 2, 1946, with the majority voting to become a republic. Umberto had promised to accept and support the result and encouraged the Italian people to support the new government. On June 12, 1946, the Italian monarchy was abolished and Umberto II left Italy. He lived in Portugal until his death in 1983 and never saw his homeland again.
Below is an indexed listing with links to biographical articles about the various Italian royals at Unofficial Royalty. If it says “Notable Issue” before a name, that means not all of the children for the parent of that person are listed. Also listed below are links to the Italian Content Areas.
Kingdom of Italy, House of Savoy (1861 – 1946)
Family of Vittorio Emanuele II, King of Sardinia, King of Italy
- Vittorio Emanuele II, King of Sardinia, King of Italy (reigned 1861 – 1878)
- Archduchess Adelheid of Austria, Queen of Sardinia (1st wife of Vittorio Emanuele II)
- Notable Issue: Princess Marie Clotilde of Savoy, Princess Napoleon
- Notable Issue: Umberto I, King of Italy (see below)
- Notable Issue: Amedeo I, King of Spain, Duke of Aosta
- Notable Issue: Princess Maria Pia of Savoy, Queen of Portugal
- Rosa Vercellana, Countess of Mirafiori and Fontanafredda (mistress and morganatic 2nd wife of Vittorio Emanuele II, had two children)
Family of Umberto I, King of Italy
- Umberto I, King of Italy (reigned 1878 – 1900, assassinated)
- Princess Margherita of Savoy, Queen of Italy (wife of Umberto I)
- Victor Emmanuel III, King of Italy (see below)
Family of Vittorio Emanuele III, King of Italy
- Vittorio Emanuele III, King of Italy (reigned 1900 – 1946)
- Princess Elena of Montenegro, Queen of Italy (wife of Vittorio Emanuele III)
- Notable Issue: Umberto II, King of Italy (see below)
- Notable Issue: Princess Giovanna of Savoy, Tsaritsa of Bulgaria
Family of Umberto II, King of Italy
- Umberto II, King of Italy (reigned 1946, deposed, monarchy abolished)
- Princess Marie José of Belgium, Queen of Italy (wife of Umberto II, had issue)
Pretenders to the Throne
- LAST REIGNING: King Umberto II of Italy
- Former Pretender: Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, Prince of Naples (disputed)
- Current Pretender: Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Prince of Venice (disputed)
- Current Heir: Princess Vittoria of Savoy (disputed)
- Former Pretender: Prince Amedeo of Savoy-Aosta, 5th Duke of Aosta (disputed)
- Current Pretender: Prince Aimone of Savoy-Aosta, 6th Duke of Aosta (pretender)