Tuesday, March 5, 2024

5 Key Facts About Prince Amedeo of Savoy, Duke of Aosta

Prince Amedeo of Savoy, Duke of Aosta, is a member of the House of Savoy, a royal family with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Born on October 21, 1943, he is the younger son of King Umberto II of Italy and Queen Marie José of Belgium, making him a grandson of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and Queen Elena of Montenegro. His family's legacy is deeply rooted in Italian history, with his father serving as the last King of Italy before the country became a republic in 1946.

Prince Amedeo's life has been marked by significant events, including his involvement in the Italian resistance movement during World War II and his subsequent exile to Switzerland. After the war, he returned to Italy and became involved in various business ventures, including the family's wine production. Today, Prince Amedeo is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of education. His dedication to preserving his family's heritage and contributing to the betterment of society has earned him a respected place among the Italian nobility and beyond[1].

what is the significance of prince amedeo of savoy, duke of aosta in history

Prince Amedeo of Savoy, Duke of Aosta, holds significant historical importance due to his position within the House of Savoy, a royal family that ruled Italy from 1861 to 1946. He was a direct descendant of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and Queen Elena of Montenegro, making him a member of the Italian royal family. Additionally, his life was marked by significant events, including his involvement in the Italian resistance movement during World War II and his subsequent exile to Switzerland. After the war, he returned to Italy and became involved in various business ventures, including the family's wine production. His dedication to preserving his family's heritage and contributing to the betterment of society has earned him a respected place among the Italian nobility and beyond.

what was prince amedeo of savoy, duke of aosta's role in the house of savoy

Prince Amedeo of Savoy, Duke of Aosta, played a significant role within the House of Savoy, a royal family that ruled Italy from 1861 to 1946. He was a direct descendant of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and Queen Elena of Montenegro, making him a member of the Italian royal family. Additionally, his life was marked by significant events, including his involvement in the Italian resistance movement during World War II and his subsequent exile to Switzerland. After the war, he returned to Italy and became involved in various business ventures, including the family's wine production. His dedication to preserving his family's heritage and contributing to the betterment of society has earned him a respected place among the Italian nobility and beyond.

what was prince amedeo of savoy, duke of aosta's relationship with the other members of the house of savoy

Prince Amedeo of Savoy, Duke of Aosta, had significant relationships with other members of the House of Savoy. He was a direct descendant of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy and Queen Elena of Montenegro, making him a member of the Italian royal family. His family ties were marked by both close relationships and tensions with other members of the House of Savoy. Prince Amedeo was particularly close to his father, Prince Aimone of Savoy, who was the 4th Duke of Aosta and erstwhile King of Croatia as Tomislav II. Prince Aimone was a key figure in the House of Savoy, and his son Prince Amedeo inherited his legacy. Prince Amedeo was also close to his first cousin, King Umberto II of Italy, who was the last King of Italy before the country became a republic in 1946. This closeness was reflected in Prince Amedeo's involvement in the Italian resistance movement during World War II and his subsequent exile to Switzerland. After the war, he returned to Italy and became involved in various business ventures, including the family's wine production. However, Prince Amedeo's relationships with other members of the House of Savoy were not without tension. He had a notable disagreement with his cousin, Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, the Prince of Naples, over the succession to the Italian throne. This led to Prince Amedeo declaring himself the Head of the House of Savoy and Duke of Savoy, a move that was met with resistance from Prince Vittorio Emanuele.

The Duke of Aosta.
Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta, speaking with his first cousin King Michael of Romania at Sinaia. Queen Anne-Marie of Greece and Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia are in the background.
King Juan Carlos of Spain with Prince Amedeo and Princess Silvia, Duke and Duchess of Aosta, as well as Prince Aimone, Duke of Apulia and his then-fiancée Princess Olga of Greece, 2008.

Today, 1 June, Prince Amedeo of Savoy, 5th Duke of Aosta, died after going into cardiac arrest at San Donato Hospital in Arezzo. Earlier this year, Prince Amedeo had undergone major surgery at a clinic in Milan, after which he returned home to Castiglion Fibocchi. On 27 May, Amedeo was admitted to San Donato Hospital in Arezzo for minor surgery, which was completed successfully. He had been scheduled for release today; however, he suffered a fatal heart attack this morning. The announcement of the death of Prince Amedeo was made by the Aosta branch of the Royal House of Savoy. The Duke of Aosta was seventy-seven years-old. Amedeo was a first cousin of King Constantine II of the Hellenes, King Michael of Romania, Queen Sofía of Spain, and Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia. He descended from King Louis Philippe of the French, German Emperor Friedrich III, King George I of the Hellenes, and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.

 
Princess Irene, Duchess of Aosta, with her infant son Prince Amedeo in 1943.
Irene and Amedeo.
Prince Amedeo and his mother Princess Irene.
 
On 27 September 1943, Prince Amedeo Umberto Constantino Giorgio Paolo Elena Maria Fiorenzo Zvonimir of Savoy-Aosta was born at Florence. Amedeo was the only child of Prince Aimone of Savoy (1900-1948), 4th Duke of Aosta and erstwhile King of Croatia as Tomislav II, and his wife Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark (1904-1974), who married in 1939. Amedeo’s paternal grandparents were Prince Emanuele Filiberto, 2nd Duke of Aosta, and Princess Hélène d’Orléans. Amedeo’s maternal grandparents were King Constantine I of the Hellenes and Princess Sophie of Prussia. At the time of his birth, King Vittorio Emanuele III was the Italian monarch, and little Prince Amedeo was fourth in the line of succession to the Italian throne after the Prince of Piedmont, the Prince of Naples, and his father Aimone.
The engagement between Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta, and his second cousin Princess Claude d'Orléans was announced in September 1963. Princess Claude (b.Larache, Morocco 11 December 1943) was the ninth child and fifth daughter of Prince Henri, Count of Paris, and Princess Isabelle of Orléans-Braganza.
Prince Amedeo and Princess Claude were married on 22 July 1964 at Sintra, Portugal, in a beautiful ceremony attended by a myriad of their relatives and friends. King Umberto II of Italy was one of the chief guests.
 
Amedeo of Aosta and Claude d’Orléans were the parents of three children, one son and two daughters: Princess Bianca of Savoy-Aosta (b.Florence 2 April 1966; married in 1988 to Count Giberto Arrivabene-Valenti-Gonzaga; five children: Viola [b.1991], Vera [b.1993], Mafalda [b.1997], Maddalena [b.2000], and Leonardo [b.2001]); Prince Aimone of Savoy-Aosta, Duke of Apulia (b.Florence 13 October 1967; married in 2008 to Princess Olga of Greece; three children: Prince Umberto [b.2009], Prince Amedeo [b.2011], and Princess Isabella [b.2012]); and Princess Mafalda of Savoy-Aosta (b.Florence 20 September 1969; married 1stly in 1994 [divorced] to don Alessandro Ruffo di Calabria; married 2ndly in 2001 to Nobile Francesco Lombardo di San Chirico; three children: Anna [b.1999], Carlo [b.2001], and Elena [b.2003]). In addition to his three children with Princess Claude, the Duke of Aosta was also the father of Don Piero Incisa della Rocchetta (b.Florence 30 November 1967) with Nobile Nerina Corsini (1942-2014) and Ginevra van Ellinkhuizen (b.Milan 16 March 2006) with Kyara van Ellinkhuizen (b.1967).
 
 
 
The marital union of Amedeo and Claude deteriorated. The couple separated on 20 July 1976, they then obtained a civil divorce on 26 April 1982, and, finally, an annulment from the Holy See was granted on 8 January 1987. 
The wedding of Prince Amedeo and Princess Silvia, Duke and Duchess of Aosta, 1987.
Prince Amedeo and Princess Silvia, Duke and Duchess of Aosta.
Amedeo and Silvia.
 
On 30 March 1987, Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta married donna Silvia Paternò di Spedalotto dei Marchesi di Reggiovanni (b.Palermo 31 December 1953). The couple did not have children. After a marriage of thirty-four years, Princess Silvia of Savoy, Duchess of Aosta, is a widow. Prince Amedeo is survived by his wife Princess Silvia, his five children, and his eleven grandchildren. The funeral of Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta, will take on Friday, 4 June, at 11:30 AM in Florence at the Chiesa di San Miniato al Monte.
 
Prince Amedeo and Princess Silvia, Duke and Duchess of Aosta, with Amedeo's first cousins Princess Maria Cristina of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and Archduchess Margherita of Austria-Este.
Amedeo of Savoy with his first wife Claude d'Orléans, his second wife Silvia, and ten of his eleven grandchildren, 2016. 
Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta, with his son Prince Aimone, Duke of Apulia.
 
Per arrangements made prior to his death, Prince Amedeo of Savoy will be buried in Tuscany. However, whenever Princess Silvia passes away, the couple will both be buried at Superga in Turin. 

As we conclude our exploration of the life and legacy of Prince Amedeo of Savoy, Duke of Aosta, we are reminded of the significant impact he had on the world. From his early involvement in the Italian resistance movement during World War II to his later philanthropic efforts, Prince Amedeo's dedication to preserving his family's heritage and contributing to the betterment of society has earned him a respected place among the Italian nobility and beyond. His story serves as a testament to the enduring power of family and tradition, as well as the importance of staying true to one's values and principles in the face of adversity. As we reflect on the life of this remarkable individual, we are left with a deeper appreciation for the complexities and challenges that come with being part of a royal family, and the ways in which individuals like Prince Amedeo can use their positions to make a lasting difference.

As we bid farewell to this fascinating chapter in the history of the House of Savoy, we are left with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn about and share the story of Prince Amedeo. His life, marked by both triumph and tragedy, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the royal families that have shaped the course of history. As we move forward, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and honoring the memories of those who have come before us. We hope that this article has provided a meaningful and informative look into the life of Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta, and that his story will continue to inspire and educate those who read it. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations.

what were the major accomplishments of prince amedeo of savoy, duke of aosta during his reign

Prince Amedeo of Savoy, Duke of Aosta, was a significant figure in the House of Savoy, a royal family that ruled Italy from 1861 to 1946. His life was marked by both military and philanthropic endeavors, reflecting his dedication to preserving his family's heritage and contributing to the betterment of society. Here are some of the major accomplishments of Prince Amedeo during his reign: Military Service: Prince Amedeo served as the Viceroy of Italian East Africa (Africa Orientale Italiana) between 1937 and 1941. He was highly respected by both his Italian subordinates and British adversaries, demonstrating his leadership skills and ability to navigate complex international situations. Philanthropy: Prince Amedeo was involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of education. He was the president of the International Foundation Pro Herbario Mediterraneo and the president of the committee responsible for the nature reserve on the island of Vivara, showcasing his commitment to preserving the natural world and promoting environmental conservation. Business Ventures: Prince Amedeo was involved in various business ventures, including the production of wine marketed under the name Vini Savoia Aosta. This reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to diversify his family's assets. Preservation of Family Heritage: Prince Amedeo dedicated himself to preserving his family's heritage, including their cultural and historical legacies. This was evident in his involvement in various agricultural activities and his leadership roles within the House of Savoy. Head of the House of Savoy: Prince Amedeo declared himself the Head of the House of Savoy and Duke of Savoy, a title that was disputed between him and his cousin, Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, the Prince of Naples. This move reflects his determination to assert his family's claims to the Italian throne and maintain their historical influence. These accomplishments demonstrate Prince Amedeo's multifaceted contributions to his family's legacy and his commitment to making a lasting impact on the world.

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