The House of Savoy, a prominent historical family among European royalty, has taken a significant step towards modernization as we begin this new decade. In January 2020, they announced a groundbreaking change: women can now inherit the leadership of the family. This pivotal decree, which reshapes the House of Savoy succession, was signed by Vittorio Emanuele, the last king of Italy. Vittorio, now 82, has named his son Emanuele Filiberto as the next leader. However, Emanuele currently has only two daughters. Thanks to this new rule, his elder daughter, Princess Vittoria di Savoia, is now positioned to inherit the family’s leadership when her father passes away. This marks a historic change for the House of Savoy succession.
A Glimpse into the House of Savoy’s Past
The House of Savoy began by ruling a small Alpine country. Through clever diplomatic moves and strategic marriages, their influence quickly expanded until they eventually controlled Italy. However, their political acumen faltered years later with the rise of Mussolini. The House of Savoy chose to tolerate, if not actively support, Mussolini’s regime. This decision severely damaged their popularity after the Second World War.
In 1946, Italy held a referendum to decide its future form of government. Republicans ultimately won against the monarchy with 54 percent of the votes, leading to the establishment of the Italian Republic. For more historical context on Italian royalty, you might find resources from the Italian Cultural Institute helpful.
Lifting the Ban: Return to Italy and Succession Rights
To understand the immense importance of succession rights for this family, consider that, initially, male descendants of the House of Savoy were forbidden from entering Italy. While you might wonder if this ban would extend to women now that they can inherit, that is not the case. The ban on male members of the House of Savoy was eventually lifted in 2002. To be allowed back into the country, Vittorio Emanuele, the current leader, had to renounce all claims to the Italian throne. It’s important to note that the Italian constitution does not allow for a return to kingship. Any such change would require a highly unlikely shift in current political trends and an amendment to the Italian constitution itself.
Modernizing the Image of the House of Savoy
In recent years, members of the House of Savoy have worked diligently to rehabilitate their public image. Emanuele Filiberto, for example, has embraced modern media, appearing on Italian TV shows like “Amici Celebrities,” a popular reality program. This public engagement helps shape a contemporary perception of the family, distinct from their historical political role.
Princess Vittoria: The Future of House of Savoy Leadership
We don’t know much about Princess Vittoria di Savoia, the first woman likely to inherit the leadership. She is still underage, so her public appearances are very limited. However, if you’re curious, you can find her on Instagram (check for her official ID – it’s typically @vittoria.savoia). While not highly active, she already boasts over 7,000 followers, reflecting public interest in this historic shift for the House of Savoy and women’s succession. This significant change in House of Savoy leadership is a topic often discussed in royal news outlets like Royal Central.
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