Who Is Umberto II of Italy? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on September 15, 1904, Umberto II of Italy holds a significant place in history as the last king of Italy, reigning only for a brief period in 1946. Often referred to as “the King of May,” he ascended to the throne after his father, King Victor Emmanuel III, abdicated in favor of a constitutional monarchy. His reign was marked by the turbulent times following World War II, culminating in a referendum that led to the abolition of the monarchy in Italy. Umberto II passed away on March 18, 1983, but his legacy continues to resonate in Italian history.
| Occupation | Emperor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 15, 1904 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Racconigi, Piedmont, Kingdom of Italy |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Date of death | 18 March, 1983 |
| Died Place | Geneva, Switzerland |
Popularity
Umberto II of Italy's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although detailed physical statistics such as height and weight for historical figures like Umberto II are not as commonly documented as modern celebrities, he was known to maintain a dignified presence befitting royalty. While exact measurements are not available, photographs depict him as carrying a regal stature, which was characteristic of royal lineage.
In October 1944, Umberto, in an interview with The New York Times, stated that he favoured a referendum to decide whether Italy was to be a republic or a monarchy instead of having the "institutional question" decided by the national assembly that would write Italy's post-war constitution.
Umberto's interview caused controversy as the republican parties widely feared that a referendum would be rigged, especially in the south of Italy.
In the same interview, Umberto mentioned his belief that, after the war, monarchies all over the world would move towards the left, and stated that under his leadership Italy would go leftwards "in an ordered, liberal way" as he understood "the weight of the past is the monarchy's greatest handicap", which he would resolve by a "radical revision" o
f the Statuto Albertino.
Umberto spoke favourably of Togliatti as he was "clever, agreeable, and easy to discuss problems with". In private, Umberto said he found Togliatti "to be a very congenial companion whose intelligence he respected, but was afraid that he suited his conversation according to his company".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Umberto II was married to Queen Marie José of Belgium in 1930. The couple had five children: Princess Maria Beatrice, Princess Maria Adelaide, Prince Vittorio Emanuele, Prince Amedeo, and Princess Maria Teresa. While his relationship status remained stable throughout his life, the couple faced significant challenges after the fall of the monarchy, resulting in their eventual separation due to political turmoil. His descendants have maintained a presence in European royal circles.
He was the third child and the only son of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and his wife, Jelena of Montenegro. As such, he was heir apparent from birth since the Italian throne was limited to male descendants. He was accorded the title Prince of Piedmont, which the Royal Decree formalised on 29 September 1904.
Net Worth and Salary
After his abdication, Umberto II lived in exile and faced financial challenges. It’s difficult to estimate his net worth due to the lack of financial records from his time. However, as a royal figure, he inherited considerable wealth and properties tied to the Italian crown. Following his death in 1983, the family's wealth was still notable, primarily held in various estates and investments, although the exact figures remain elusive.
Career, Business and Investments
Umberto II's career was largely defined by his brief kingship and by his efforts to influence Italian politics during a time of upheaval. Following his abdication, he resided in various countries, including Portugal and France. It is believed that he had some investments in real estate, though specific ventures are not well recorded in public history.
Umberto was the third child and only son among the five children of Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and Elena of Montenegro. As heir apparent to the throne, he received a customary military education and pursued a military career afterwards.
In 1940, he commanded an army group during the brief Italian invasion of France shortly before the French capitulation. In 1942, he was promoted to Marshal of Italy but was otherwise inactive as an army commander during much of the Second World War.
Umberto turned against the war following Italian defeats at Stalingrad and El Alamein, and tacitly supported the ouster of Benito Mussolini.
Social Network
Umberto II was not prominent on social media, as he lived during a time before the rise of the Internet and social networking as we know them today. However, interest in European royalty remains strong, and many fan pages and historical sites dedicated to him and his family continue to thrive on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
In September 1943, Italy was partitioned between the south of Italy, administered by the Italian government with an Allied Control Commission (ACC) having supervisory powers, while Germany occupied northern and central Italy with a puppet Italian Social Republic (popularly called the Salò Republic), headed by Mussolini holding nominal power.
By 16 September 1943, a line had formed across Italy with everything to the north held by the Germans and to the south by the Allies.
Because of what Weinberg called the "extraordinary incompetence" of Badoglio, who, like Victor Emmanuel, had not anticipated Operation Achse until it was far too late, thousands of Italian soldiers with no leadership were taken prisoner by the Germans without resisting in the Balkans, France and Italy itself, to be taken off to work as slave labour
in factories in Germany, an experience that many did not survive.
How Victor Emmanuel mishandled the armistice was to become almost as controversial in Italy as his support for Fascism. Under the terms of the armistice, the ACC had the ultimate power with the Royal Italian Government in the south, being in many ways a similar position to the Italian Social Republic under the Germans.
However, as the British historian James Holland noted, the crucial difference was that: "In the south, Italy was now moving closer towards democracy".
In the part of Italy under the control of the ACC, which issued orders to the Italian civil servants, freedom of the press, association and expression were restored along with other civil rights and liberties.
Education
Umberto II received his education primarily in Italy and Switzerland, focusing on subjects suitable for a royal, including military studies and diplomacy. His varied education prepared him for the responsibilities he would face as king during one of Italy's most challenging periods.
