Umberto, Prince of Piemonte was born as the son of King Vittorio Emmanuele in Cuneo on September 15, 1904. He joined the miltary service, and due to his noble descent, was rapidly promoted.

In 1930, he married Princess Marie Jose of Belgium. In June 1940 he was Commander of the Italian Army Group West that fought against the French in the Riviera and the Sea Alps.

He was promoted Marshal on October 29, 1942. He became King of Italy as Umberto II on May 10, 1946 after the abdication of his father. But when the Italians voted in a referendum to transform their state into a Republic, he had to vacate the throne and left for exile in Switzerland. He died in Geneva on March 18, 1983.

Written by: Stefan Schlemmer