Fallen Savoy royals seek damages

ROME – The son and grandson of Italy’s last king are seeking damages from the country for sending the men of the once illustrious House of Savoy into exile after World War Two when Italians voted to end the monarchy.

The family’s lawyers, in a letter to the government, are arguing that the exile of male heirs was a violation of their human rights, under European Union rules. The son and grandson of late King Umberto II, who died in Portugal in 1983, are eligible for damages of at least $384 million, said royal family spokesman Filippo Bruno di Tornaforte.”It was a violation of their human rights,” he told Reuters.”This is absolutely clear.”He was later quoted telling Italian media that the proceeds would go to a Savoy family foundation that does charity work.The request for damages, which Italian media said has not yet been accompanied by a formal lawsuit, opened old wounds in Italy and shocked members of the ruling centre-left coalition of Prime Minister Romano Prodi.One official at Prodi’s office was quoted as telling Italian state television that Italy may now turn around and seek damages from the Savoy royals over historic grievances.Italians voted to abolish the monarchy after World War Two, punishing the family for first collaborating with fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and then fleeing Rome in 1944 to avoid an invading German army.Nampa-ReutersThe son and grandson of late King Umberto II, who died in Portugal in 1983, are eligible for damages of at least $384 million, said royal family spokesman Filippo Bruno di Tornaforte.”It was a violation of their human rights,” he told Reuters.”This is absolutely clear.”He was later quoted telling Italian media that the proceeds would go to a Savoy family foundation that does charity work.The request for damages, which Italian media said has not yet been accompanied by a formal lawsuit, opened old wounds in Italy and shocked members of the ruling centre-left coalition of Prime Minister Romano Prodi.One official at Prodi’s office was quoted as telling Italian state television that Italy may now turn around and seek damages from the Savoy royals over historic grievances.Italians voted to abolish the monarchy after World War Two, punishing the family for first collaborating with fascist dictator Benito Mussolini and then fleeing Rome in 1944 to avoid an invading German army.Nampa-Reuters

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