HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF NAPLES  VITTORIO EMANUELE DI SAVOIA

(1937–2024)

In 1946, a year after WWII ended with the defeat of the Axis powers – Third German Reich, Kingdom of Italy, and Empire of Japan – the Italian people voted in a referendum to establish a republic. Thus, the heir to the Italian throne – HRH The Prince of Naples, Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia, 9 at the time – went into exile with his parents TM King Umberto II (1904–1983) and Queen Maria José (1906– 2001) together with his three sisters TRH Princesses Maria Pia, Maria Gabriella, and Maria Beatrice. In Portugal, HM King Umberto joined many European crowned heads in exile, amongst them French and Spanish. Conversely, HM Queen Maria José and the children settled outside Geneva. In 1971 at the age of 34, HRH The Prince of Naples married Marina Doria, 36, a biscuit heiress from Geneva and former water ski champion. The following year, their only child and son was born in Geneva: Emanuele Filiberto, an Ancien Roséen like his father.
A longtime Gstaad resident, and one of the first honorary members of the Eagle Club at its founding, the Crown Prince who died in Geneva on 3 February 2024 is survived by his wife, son, granddaughters, and sisters.

Coincidentally, the last king of Italy and his son both died at the University Hospital of Geneva forty-one years apart.

ALAN NAZAR IPEKIAN