Italy may have bid farewell to its monarchy decades ago, but within the remaining Italian Royal Family, the drama and intrigue are very much alive. At the heart of the contemporary narrative is Princess Vittoria di Savoia, the first female heir in a thousand years to the House of Savoy, Italy’s former ruling dynasty. This historic shift, orchestrated by her grandfather, Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia, has ignited a succession dispute, highlighting the complex intersection of tradition, modernity, and personal ambition within the italian royal family.
For centuries, the Italian royal family adhered to strict Salic law, barring female succession. However, in a move reflecting modern times, Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia altered the rules, designating his granddaughter, Vittoria, as his heir. This decision has not been universally embraced, particularly by a distant branch of the family, the Aosta line, who view Vittoria’s claim as illegitimate. This internal conflict underscores the fascinating, if largely symbolic, power struggles that persist even within abolished monarchies, echoing similar debates seen in other european royal families adapting to the 21st century.
Vittoria di Savoia, talks to ABC News about being the first female heir to the Italian crown in 1,000 years, in Paris.
Vittoria di Savoia, heir to the headship of the Italian Royal Family, during an interview in Paris, discussing the historical significance of her position.
Vittoria’s father, Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Venice, emphasizes the progressive nature of this change. Speaking to ABC News, he stated, “I think it’s a very important act, especially now in 2021 where women are standing so much for their rights.” He sees this decision as aligning the italian royal family with the broader trend of female leadership emerging across European monarchies. He pointed out that in Spain, Sweden, Norway, and Belgium, future monarchs are likely to be women, referencing the long-reigning Queen of England as a prominent example. This shift towards female leadership reflects a broader societal evolution and brings the italian royal family, in this aspect at least, into a contemporary context.
However, this progressive step has not been without resistance. Prince Aimone di Aosta, a distant cousin of Vittoria, publicly contested her claim in the New York Times, labeling it “totally illegitimate.” The Aosta branch believes that with the absence of a male heir in Emanuele Filiberto’s direct line, the succession should naturally pass to them according to the traditional rules. This opposition highlights the deep-seated adherence to tradition within certain factions of the italian royal family and their reluctance to accept the altered succession.
Emanuele Filiberto dismisses the Aosta’s objections as stemming from personal ambition. He suggests their disapproval is rooted in the expectation that the leadership of the italian royal family would fall to them in the absence of a male heir, stating, “They were thinking without me having a male heir that finally it would come to them.” He argues that clinging to outdated traditions is out of step with modern times and that the italian royal family must evolve.
Vittoria di Savoia, talks to ABC News about being the first female heir to the Italian crown in 1,000 years, alongside her father, Emanuele Filiberto, prince of Venice, in Paris.
Princess Vittoria di Savoia and her father, Prince Emanuele Filiberto, during an interview in Paris, discussing the future of the Italian Royal Family and female succession.
The Aostas are challenging Vittoria’s succession through the Consulta dei Senatori del Regno, a historical institution linked to the former Kingdom of Italy. Emanuele Filiberto downplays the legitimacy of this challenge, asserting that the Consulta was dissolved when the monarchy was abolished in 1946. He describes the current invocation of the Consulta as a “fake Consulta” intended to lend false weight to their claims against the rightful line of the italian royal family.
This Savoy-Aosta feud is not a new development. Decades of animosity exist between the two branches, famously punctuated by a physical altercation involving Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia at a royal wedding. Emanuele Filiberto humorously downplayed the incident as a “nice, perhaps a bit too violent cuddle,” but the anecdote underscores the long-standing tensions within the italian royal family.
Despite the ongoing drama, it’s crucial to remember that Italy is a republic. The monarchy was abolished after World War II due to the Savoy family’s association with Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime. The family was exiled and their vast palaces and holdings were lost. While they were permitted to return to Italy in 2002, the crown itself remains defunct. Emanuele Filiberto argues that the exile itself reinforces his family’s claim as the rightful lineage, stating, “We were in exile by the Italian Republic…because if monarchy were to come back, my father would have been king.”
Vittoria di Savoia walks with her father, Emanuele Filiberto, prince of Venice, after speaking with ABC News, about being the first female heir to the Italian crown in 1,000 years, in Paris.
Princess Vittoria di Savoia and Prince Emanuele Filiberto walking in Paris after discussing the future role of the Italian Royal Family and female leadership.
For the italian royal family, the current dispute transcends a non-existent throne. Emanuele Filiberto likens the modern role of the italian royal family to a charitable organization, dedicated to promoting Italian interests and values globally. He emphasizes the symbolic importance of monarchy, describing the monarch as a “flag” representing the nation above politics. This perspective highlights the family’s attempt to redefine their relevance in a republican Italy, focusing on cultural ambassadorship and tradition rather than political power.
Emanuele Filiberto extends this view to other royal families, expressing his disappointment regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from royal duties. He believes the royal platform is too significant to relinquish, emphasizing the inherent duties and values instilled in members of royal families. He suggests a lack of understanding in America regarding the lifelong commitment expected of royals, viewing their departure as a loss of potential contribution to the British monarchy.
Vittoria di Savoia, talks to ABC News about being the first female heir to the Italian crown in 1,000 years, in Paris.
Princess Vittoria di Savoia during an interview in Paris, focusing on her preparation for her future role within the Italian Royal Family.
Currently, Emanuele Filiberto is engaged in projects that keep the italian royal family name relevant, including documentaries about the House of Savoy and expanding his “Prince of Venice” restaurant franchise. Vittoria, meanwhile, is preparing for her future role within the family. While not undergoing formal “princess lessons,” she is immersing herself in family history and Italian culture. Her father emphasizes the importance of work ethic, exemplified by her internship in a hotel, undertaking tasks from cleaning rooms to serving guests.
Vittoria herself acknowledges the weight of her responsibilities and expresses her determination to uphold her family’s legacy. “I feel and I know that I have big responsibilities and I’m preparing myself for it,” she stated. Despite the internal challenges and the absence of a throne, the italian royal family, led by Vittoria di Savoia, continues to navigate its place in the modern world, clinging to tradition while adapting to contemporary values. Whether monarchy will ever return to Italy remains uncertain, but as Emanuele Filiberto concludes, “Never say never.”
