Umberto II of Italy Biography: Full Name, Wikipedia, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Parents, Siblings, Death

Umberto II was the last King of Italy, officially reigning for 34 days from 9 May to 12 June 1946. Prior to his brief reign, he served as Lieutenant General of the Realm from June 1944, effectively acting as head of state after his father, King Victor Emmanuel III, transferred authority to him.

This move aimed to rehabilitate the monarchy’s image following Mussolini’s fall. Umberto assumed the throne following his father’s abdication in a final attempt to bolster support for the monarchy ahead of the 1946 institutional referendum.

Profile

• Full Name: Umberto Nicola Tommaso Giovanni Maria di Savoia
• Stage Name: Umberto II of Italy
• Born: 15 September 1904
• Died: 18 March 1983
• Age: 78 years old
• Birthplace: Castle of Racconigi, Racconigi, Italy
• Nationality: Italian
• Occupation: Last King of Italy
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, Queen Elena
• Siblings: Princess Mafalda of Savoy, Princess Yolanda, Princess Giovanna, Princess Maria Francesca
• Spouse: Marie-José of Belgium (m. 1930)
• Children: Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples, Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy, Princess Maria Pia of Bourbon-Parma, Princess Maria Beatrice of Savoy
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $100 million

Early Life And Education

Umberto Nicola Tommaso Giovanni Maria di Savoia was born on September 15, 1904, at the Castle of Racconigi in Piedmont, Kingdom of Italy. He was the son of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and Queen Elena of Montenegro, and the only son among five siblings, which included Princess Yolanda, Princess Mafalda, Princess Giovanna, and Princess Maria Francesca.

Umberto received a rigorous military education, attending the Royal Military Academy in Turin and the Naval Academy in Livorno. He was of Italian and Montenegrin descent and practiced Roman Catholicism.

Career

Umberto II of Italy was raised as the heir to the throne and received a rigorous education at the Royal Military Academy in Turin and the Naval Academy in Livorno, preparing him for future leadership. Given the title Prince of Piedmont from birth, he undertook various ceremonial duties as Crown Prince, representing the monarchy both domestically and internationally.

During the 1920s and 1930s, while his role was largely symbolic, he made efforts to modernize the monarchy’s image through frequent public engagements and diplomatic visits. In 1930, his marriage to Princess Marie-José of Belgium further reinforced Italy’s royal alliances, and the couple had four children.

Despite holding the rank of Marshal of Italy by 1942, Umberto‘s military role during World War II was limited due to Mussolini‘s reluctance to grant him command. As Italy faced military setbacks, Umberto grew critical of the Fascist regime and began advocating for an armistice with the Allies, even engaging in covert communications with the British.

In June 1944, King Victor Emmanuel III transferred most of his authority to Umberto, appointing him Lieutenant General of the Realm. In this role, Umberto became the de facto head of state, guiding Italy through a difficult transition away from Fascism and working to restore public trust in the monarchy.

On May 9, 1946, Victor Emmanuel III abdicated, and Umberto officially became King of Italy. However, his reign was short-lived, lasting only 34 days before a national referendum on June 2 led to the monarchy’s abolition and the creation of the Italian Republic.

Forced into exile, Umberto settled in Cascais, Portugal, where he remained for the rest of his life. Though barred from returning to Italy, he continued charitable work and kept in contact with royalist supporters.

Social Media

Umberto II of Italy does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Umberto II of Italy was married to Princess Marie-José of Belgium, daughter of King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth. Their engagement was announced in October 1929, and they were married on January 8, 1930, in a Roman Catholic ceremony at the Palazzo del Quirinale in Rome.

The couple had four children: Princess Maria Pia, Prince Vittorio Emanuele, Princess Maria Gabriella, and Princess Maria Beatrice. Despite periods of personal and political strain, they remained married until Umberto‘s death.

Umberto II passed away on March 18, 1983, at the Geneva Cantonal Hospital in Switzerland, at the age of 78.

Net Worth

Umberto II of Italy’s net worth is estimated to have been around $100 million, largely derived from the wealth accumulated by the House of Savoy over centuries of rule. His income sources included family estates, investments, and assets tied to the royal family’s historical holdings.

After the monarchy was abolished in 1946, much of the Savoy family’s property and jewels were seized by the Italian government, limiting his access to wealth.