King Umberto II, the last King of Italy, was born on September 15, 1904, in the charming town of Racconigi, nestled in the picturesque region of Piedmont, Italy. He was the son of King Victor Emmanuel III and Queen Elena of Montenegro, and was destined to follow in his father's footsteps as the ruler of the Italian monarchy.
As the eldest son of the royal couple, Umberto was groomed from a young age to take on the responsibilities of the throne. He received a thorough education, studying languages, history, and politics, and was trained in the art of leadership and diplomacy.
On January 8, 1930, Umberto married his cousin, Princess Marie-Jose of Belgium, who was a member of the Belgian royal family. The couple had two daughters, Maria Pia and Maria Gabriella, and were known for their strong marriage and commitment to each other.
However, Umberto's life as king was marked by turmoil and upheaval. In 1946, Italy held a referendum in which the people voted to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic. Umberto, who had been king since 1946, was forced to abdicate and go into exile.
Umberto spent the rest of his life in exile, living in Switzerland and France. He remained involved in Italian politics and was a vocal critic of the communist government that had taken over Italy. He also continued to work for the restoration of the monarchy, although this goal ultimately remained elusive.
Despite the challenges he faced, Umberto remained a beloved figure in Italy, and was remembered for his dedication to his country and his people. He passed away on March 18, 1983, in Geneva, Switzerland, at the age of 78.
