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The world watched in captivated silence as Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest in 2022. Her funeral, a poignant spectacle of tradition and respect, served as a stark reminder of the enduring power of monarchies. While the UK mourned their Queen, it sparked a global curiosity about royal lineages, including those seemingly lost to history. What about the countries that no longer have monarchs? Who would wear the crown if they did? Let's journey across the continent and explore this question, focusing on the fascinating case of Italy.
A Tale of Two Kingdoms: Unraveling Italy's Royal Past
Modern Italy, with its iconic boot-shaped peninsula, wasn't always a unified nation. Before 1861, it was a patchwork of kingdoms, duchies, and papal states. This fragmented history makes the question of a modern-day Italian monarch quite complex. Two kingdoms, in particular, hold the key to understanding this royal puzzle: Sardinia and the Two Sicilies.
The House of Savoy, rulers of Sardinia, ultimately paved the way for a unified Italy. Their rise was a steady climb: from Counts of Savoy to Dukes, then Kings of Sardinia, and finally, Kings of all Italy. Victor Emmanuel II, a name echoing through Italian history, achieved this monumental feat.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was ruled by a branch of the Spanish House of Bourbon. Their reign ended in 1861, absorbed into the newly formed Italian kingdom.
Who Could Claim the Italian Throne Today?
The line of succession for a hypothetical Italian monarchy is a tangled web, full of twists and turns. Let's break it down:
The House of Savoy:
- Victor Emmanuel III, the last king of Italy, abdicated in 1946.
- His son, Umberto II, reigned for a mere month before Italy became a republic.
- Vittorio Emanuele, Umberto II's son, would seem the obvious heir. However, his morganatic marriage (to a non-royal) throws a wrench into the line of succession.
- Enter Amedeo, Duke of Aosta, Vittorio Emanuele's third cousin. He argues that the morganatic marriage disqualifies Vittorio Emanuele and his descendants, making Amedeo the rightful heir.
The House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies:
- The last king, Francis II, died without a male heir, leading to a complicated succession scenario.
- Prince Pedro, Duke of Calabria, is considered a primary contender. Interestingly, he's also related to the House of Savoy, adding another layer to this intricate tapestry.
Echoes of Royalty: From Balmoral to Grace Kelly's Monaco
The fascination with royalty extends far beyond Queen Elizabeth's legacy. People are drawn to the grandeur, the history, and perhaps even the fairytale aspect of it all.
Take Balmoral Castle, for example. This Scottish estate, forever linked with Queen Elizabeth, embodies a royal connection to history and nature. Similarly, the enduring love story of Grace Kelly, an American actress who became Princess of Monaco, continues to captivate audiences.
These stories, much like the potential kings of Italy, remind us that even in a world dominated by republics, the allure of monarchies hasn't faded. It's a testament to the enduring power of history, legacy, and the enduring fascination with those who wear the crown.
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