This week in the War, 10–16 April 1944: The King of Italy steps down in favour of his son

Posted on April 15, 2016 by secondbysecond

HRH Prince Umberto inspecting a guard of honour during his visit to the Italian Corps of Liberation, Sparanise, Italy 1944 [Public domain]

HRH Prince Umberto inspecting a guard of honour during his visit to the Italian Corps of Liberation, Sparanise, Italy 1944 [Public domain]

This week in the war, on 12 April 1944, King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy stepped down in favour of his son, Prince Umberto. It was decided that the official transfer of power would be delayed until after the liberation of Rome.

The King felt himself tainted by his association with Mussolini (although it had been the King who had eventually ordered the Duce’s arrest). By stepping down, King Victor Emmanuel hoped that he could preserve the future of the monarchy.

It was not to be. After the war ended, Prince Umberto did become king (Umberto II), but his reign lasted barely one month. The Italian people no longer wanted a king (or a Duce). A referendum was held and the people voted to turn Italy into a republic.

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