The King Is Dead - Long Live The King (In The Afterlife - Right?)

Umberto I or Humbert I of Italy (Umberto Ranieri Carlo Emanuele Giovanni Maria Ferdinando Eugenio of Savoy), (14 March, 1844 – 29 July, 1900). Officially nicknamed "the Good", was the King of Italy from 9 January, 1878 until his death. He was deeply loathed in left-wing circles, especially among anarchists, because of his hard-line conservativism and support of the Bava Beccaris massacre in Milan. He was killed by anarchist Gaetano Bresci one year after the incident. He was the only modern King of Italy to be assassinated.

By the look in his eyes, Umberto I saw it all coming too... And he has this dubious -and lugubrious, not to mention mortiferous- distinction today, but back in 1900! Talk about coming close to seeing the 20th Century... But no cigar. And cigars were *truly* appreciated back in those days... But that is another story...
One of these days, and upcoming posts here, I will talk at length about Umberto I's contemporary and true illuminary of his era (even more so than if he had had royal blood coursing in his veins...) the Portuguese miracle-worker, Dr. José Tomás de Sousa Martins!

For those who are curious about royal lines... A little extra:

Italian Royalty ~ House of Savoy
*Victor Emmanuel II
Children:
Princess Marie Clothilde
Prince Umberto
Prince Amadeo
Princess Maria Pia
*Umberto I
Children: Prince Victor
*Victor Emmanuel III
Children:
Princess Yolanda
Princess Mafalda
Prince Umberto
Princess Giovanna
Princess Maria
*Umberto II
Children:
Princess Maria Pia; Prince Victor; Princess Maria Gabriella; Princess Maria Beatrice

Still want more? Go here!