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Principessa Margherita Maria di Savoia
(1851–1926)

Other names: Margherita Maria Teresa Giovanna

Biographical

Margherita grew up between Turin and Stresa, and alongside her brother, Tommaso, dedicated most of her time to study. Her education was firstly entrusted to Contessa Monticelli di Castelrosso, and then to Rosa Arbesser, and she soon revealed her intelligence and virtues. [Enciclopedia italiana di scienze, lettere ed arti, vol. 22, Malc - Messic. Milano: Ist. Giovanni Treccani, 1934.] Her first suitor was Charles of Romania, but his overtures were declined, and in 1867, under the suggestion of Prime Minister Menabreain, it was decided that she would marry her cousin, Crown Prince Umberto of Italy. Umberto was already in a relationship with Duchess Eugenia Attandolo Bolognini, and this continued throughout his life. After Margherita's wedding, a promotional tour of the monarchy began, and as her father-in-law, King Vittorio Emanuele was widowed and had no official consort, Margherita assumed the role of first lady of Italy. She proved herself to be gifted in politics and diplomacy, and her charm of manner and endearing disposition made her very popular in Italy. In 1869, she and her husband settled at Naples in the Capodimonte residence, where their only son, Vittorio Emanuele, was born. The couple continued their journeys along the peninsula, which were in reality part of the operation to nationalise the monarchy. They drew large crowds, and Margherita wore local costumes and publicly appreciated the traditions and culture of each location, garnering popularity for herself and the monarchy. Rome was, however, a difficult task. The royal couple moved into the Quirinal Palace in January 1871, [Enciclopedia italiana di scienze, lettere ed arti, vol. 22, Malc - Messic. Milano: Ist. Giovanni Treccani, 1934.] and Margherita was given a role in the reconciliatory efforts. Her tact and grace, combined with her zeal, played a part in winning over the Roman aristocracy for the monarchy. She transformed the Quirinial Palace into one of the most exclusive salons of Europe, breathing new life and social vibrancy to the city. In reality, Margherita's role as wife had ended after two years of marriage, and she would appear beside Umberto as his consort, but they lived separate lives. After they ascended the throne of Italy in 1878 (Margherita being the first queen of Italy), [Enciclopedia italiana di scienze, lettere ed arti, vol. 22, Malc - Messic. Milano: Ist. Giovanni Treccani, 1934.] they embarked on another tour of the country, and Margherita continued to conquer the hearts of Italians. At Naples in November, she helped save the king's life during an assassination attempt, where she threw a bouquet of flowers in the face of his attacker. [Enciclopedia italiana di scienze, lettere ed arti, vol. 22, Malc - Messic. Milano: Ist. Giovanni Treccani, 1934.] After the trauma of this episode, Margherita continued her objective in increasing the prestige and image of the monarchy. She became a benefactor and protector of hospitals, schools, and charities, particularly for the blind, and also for the arts and academies. By the 1880s the 'margheritismo' cult was born, mainly due to the efforts of journalists and writers praising her qualities and expressing their fascination, and by the 1890s her popularity reached its peak. Her private life was less than idyllic. Umberto's relationship with Vincenza Publicola-Santacroce, Contessa di Santa Fiora was causing scandal as was her involvement in political matters. Margherita was also herself becoming more involved in state affairs, and increasingly against the parliamentary regime, having thrown her support to the repressive prime minister, Francesco Crispi. She supported the African enterprise, and was soon seen as a point of reference for the reactionaries, as she expressed her support for the repression of protests and demonstrations. After the assassination of King Umberto, she was undoubtedly grieved. The role of the inconsolable widow that she played, received much adulation from the public, and it was incorporated into her myth. As queen mother, she continued to adhere to ideas of royal and dynastic rules. Margherita opposed her son's liberal ideas, his 'socialist monarchy', and was dismayed at his wife's modest royal status. She continued to espouse her nationalistic and social conservative views, maintaining a public presence, as she continued her charitable works, and undertook travels abroad. She resided at Palazzo Margherita (formerly Palazzo Piombino), at Rome, where she welcomed scholars, artists and poets, and which became the centre of a literary and artistic movement. [Enciclopedia italiana di scienze, lettere ed arti, vol. 22, Malc - Messic. Milano: Ist. Giovanni Treccani, 1934.] Later, she turned the palazzo into a Red Cross hospital during the war to treat the wounded. Margherita's reaction to the Bolshevik revolution was to embrace fascism in Italy. In 1922, she expressed her public support for the movement, and held Mussolini in high esteem. She continued her usual duties and her fervent religious life until her death at Bordighera.

Place of birth: Chiablese palace, Turin
Place of marriage: Turin
Place of death: Bordighera
Place of burial: Pantheon, Rome

Daughter of Ferdinando Maria of Sardinia (Savoy) and Marie Elisabeth, Princess of Saxony (Wettin). She married King Umberto  I of Italy (Savoy) in 1868, and had issue.

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