Family of Italy’s Last King, the heirs of Umberto II – Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy and the princesses Maria Gabriella, Maria Pia and Maria Beatrice – are trying to reclaim the crown jewels that King Umberto II deposited at an Italian Bank, valued at up to $338 million in today’s money, IDEX Online reports.
The 6,732 diamonds and 2,000 pearls, set in a collection of necklaces, bracelets, tiaras, earrings and brooches, were deposited by King Umberto II before he fled to Portugal. His reign lasted only 34 days, before the monarchy was abolished in 1946. The jewels, which have not been valued in the last 75 years, are reportedly worth up to $338 million.
According to the report, “lawyers representing his descendants were today starting talks with the government and the Bank of Italy in a bid to have them returned.” They also promise to take “legal action if necessary.”
