Monday, September 15, 2008

40 million Italians wonder when will Prince Umberto marry

September 15, 1928

Today Prince Umberto of Savoy, the heir apparent to the Italian throne, celebrates his 24th birthday. His futre subjects are worried that he has not yet married. Belgian princess Marie-José remains the firm favorite, and it is noted that she is "really in love with him," which is a "most fortuitious circumstance when it comes to contracting a royal marriage." The princess, who is the only daughter of King Albert I, is Roman Catholic, another point in her favor.
However, there are rumors about a possible marriage between the Italian crown prince and 18-year-old Princess Ingrid of Sweden. Ingrid, who is the only daughter of Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf and the late Princess Margaret of Connaught, is Lutheran, which might cause problems for the Italian royal house. Umberto's sister, Mafalda, is married to a Lutheran prince, Philipp of Hesse). Ingrid's paternal grandparents frequent visits to Rome have given credence to stories about the engagement.
It is also possible that Umberto could marry an Italian noblewoman, although no names have been "coupled with that of the heir."
Princess Ileana of Roumania has also been considered -- by the media, per chance -- as the Queen of Italy. But political realities between Italy and Roumania would make a marriage difficult to arrange.

Forty million Italians continue to wait for the news that will bring great joy. An engagement for their heir to the throne.

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