Prince Aimone of Savoy Defends Family History Amid Cousin’s Controversial Republic Claims
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A member of the Italian royal family, Prince Aimone of Savoy Aosta, is pushing back against recent statements made by his cousin, Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, regarding the dawn of the Italian Republic adn the past actions of the House of Savoy. The dispute centers on interpretations of Italy’s transition from monarchy to republic and the family’s relationship with Mussolini’s fascist regime.
A Disputed Legacy: The Birth of the Italian Republic
Emanuele Filiberto, in a recent interview with Corriere della Sera, suggested the republic’s foundation was “shaky” and unfairly blamed the House of Savoy for the failures of the fascist regime. The exile of Umberto II, the “May King,” deeply affected the family. A member of the family recalled that Umberto II’s departure was “a very painful one for the king who loved Italy more than anyone else,” an exile solidified by the 1948 Constitution which included the confiscation of assets and the revocation of civil rights for the entire House of Savoy. This occurred even as,in 1946,an amnesty was proclaimed for fascist militants by togliatti.
Challenging Narratives of Collaboration with Mussolini
The core of the current disagreement stems from differing interpretations of the House of Savoy’s relationship with Benito Mussolini and the implementation of the racial laws in 1938. Emanuele Filiberto reportedly suggested that the family was “obliged” to collaborate with Mussolini during World War II, arguing that Italy was allied with Hitler by the will of the fascist regime.
Prince Aimone vehemently disputes this characterization, particularly concerning his great-uncle, Amedeo, Duke of Aosta and Viceroy of ethiopia. “My cousin Emanuele Filiberto has a slightly distorted knowledge of history,” he stated. He emphasized that Amedeo openly criticized the racial laws and Mussolini’s policies in his diaries, a fact, he asserts, “no historian has ever expressed my cousin’s bizarre statement.”
The debate extends to the alleged closeness of another ancestor, Emanuele filiberto, Duke of Aosta, to Mussolini during the March on Rome.While some historians have hypothesized a connection, Prince Aimone points out that no concrete evidence has ever been found. He further highlighted that Vittorio Emanuele III,rather than distancing himself,appointed the Duke Marshal of Italy and honored him with military accolades,even attending his funeral in 1931.
A Call for Historical Accuracy and Family Unity
Prince Aimone, a Pirelli manager with a background in finance and international affairs – having studied at Bocconi University, interned at Rinascente, worked at JP Morgan in London, and spent years in Moscow – believes his cousin’s statements contribute to a damaging distortion of the family’s history. He stresses the importance of respecting the history of both the italian Republic and the monarchy that preceded it.
Having served as a naval officer on the Maestrale frigate, prince Aimone emphasized his commitment to serving Italy, regardless of its political system, echoing the sentiment expressed by King Umberto II to his father: “Italy first and foremost!” he believes that a reevaluation of the House of Savoy’s role is needed, focusing on preserving historical memory rather than pursuing obsolete roles.
Married to Princess Olga of Greece as 2008, Prince Aimone is dedicated to instilling a sense of history in his children, taking them to the family’s ancestral lands and conveying “respect for the thousand-year history of the glorious name that we have the honor of bearing.” He believes that the meaningful support for the monarchy in the 1946 referendum – despite the eventual outcome – demonstrates enduring values within the Italian people.
despite past family disputes, particularly between his parents, Amedeo d’Aosta and Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia, Prince Aimone has long sought mediation and reconciliation. He acknowledges that past conflicts were rooted in the unique circumstances of princes born into a monarchy navigating a changing world. Ultimately, he believes that history is the only true judge of their legacy, and that continued division serves no purpose.
