Family of Italy's Last King Demand $338m Crown Jewels
January 27, 22
(IDEX Online) - The heirs of Italy's last king are trying to reclaim the crown jewels - 6,732 diamonds and 2,000 pearls - valued at up to $338m.
King Umberto II reigned for just 34 days before the monarchy was abolished in 1946 during World War II and he fled to Portugal.
Lawyers representing his descendants were today starting talks with the government and the Bank of Italy in a bid to have them returned. They say will take legal action if necessary.
The King deposited the collection of necklaces, bracelets, tiaras, earrings and brooches with the bank, where they have remained ever since. They were never formally confiscated.
The request to have the jewels returned is being brought by the heirs of Umberto II - Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy and the princesses Maria Gabriella, Maria Pia and Maria Beatrice.
The jewels have not been valued in the last 75 years but the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera says they are worth up to $338m.
Pic shows King Umberto II of Italy and Queen Marie Jose