Umberto II (full name Umberto Nicola Tommaso Maria di Savoia; 15 September 1904 – 18 March 1983) was the last King of Italy, reigning from 9 May 1946 until the abolition of the monarchy on 12 June 1946. He was the second son of King Victor Emmanuel III and Queen Elena.
Early Life and Education
Born in Racconigi, Kingdom of Italy, Umberto was the second of five children. He pursued a military education, attending the Royal Military Academy of Modena, and served in the Italian army, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1928, he married Princess Marie José of Belgium, and the couple had three children: Princess Maria Pia, Prince Vittorio Emanuele, and Princess Maria Gabriella.
Ascension to the Throne
Umberto’s elder brother, Crown Prince Umberto (later King Umberto II), died in 1918, making Umberto the heir presumptive after his father’s son, King Victor Emmanuel III. In the post‑World War II period, Victor Emmanuel III faced widespread criticism for his association with the Fascist regime. To preserve the monarchy, he appointed his son, Crown Prince Umberto, as Lieutenant General of the Realm in 1944, and ultimately abdicated on 9 May 1946 in favor of his son, who became King Umberto II.
Reign and Referendum
Umberto II’s reign, known as the “King’s Hundred Hours,” lasted 34 days. During this brief period, a national referendum was held on 2 June 1946 to determine whether Italy should remain a monarchy or become a republic. The referendum resulted in a majority (approximately 54 %) voting for a republic. Consequently, the monarchy was abolished, and the provisional government declared the Italian Republic on 12 June 1946.
Exile and Later Life
Following the referendum, Umberto II went into exile, initially residing in Portugal and later in Switzerland. He maintained a modest public profile, occasionally returning to Italy for private visits. In exile, he authored memoirs and engaged in charitable activities. He died on 18 March 1983 in Geneva, Switzerland, and was buried in the Royal Crypt at the Basilica of Superga, near Turin, Italy.
Historical Assessment
Umberto II is historically noted for being the final monarch of Italy and for the rapid transition of the Italian state from a constitutional monarchy to a republic in the mid‑20th century. His brief reign is often examined within the broader context of Italy’s post‑war reconstruction, the legacy of Fascism, and the shifting political landscape of post‑war Europe.
