Prince Ferdinando, Duke of Genoa (1884–1963)

Prince Ferdinando of Savoy, Duke of Genoa (Ferdinando Umberto Filippo Adalberto; 21 April 1884 – 24 June 1963) was the third Duke of Genoa and a member of the House of Savoy. He served in the Royal Italian Navy.

Early life
Prince Ferdinando was born in Turin the eldest son of Prince Thomas of Savoy-Genoa, Duke of Genoa and his wife Princess Isabella of Bavaria (1863–1924). On 22 September 1904 he was given the title Prince of Udine.

Ferdinado pursued a career in the Italian Royal Navy. Holding the rank of Captain he served in World War I commanding a Torpedo Boat Destroyer and was decorated with a medal of honour for personal bravery.

In May 1917 with War raging in Europe, Prince Ferdinando was appointed to lead an Italian War Commission to the United States of America. The commission which included Guglielmo Marconi and leading Italian political and commercial figures, visited America with the task of discussing financial and trade agreements and increasing co-operation between the two nations to help the Italian war effort.

Post war
In November 1930 he represented his cousin King Victor Emmanuel III at the coronation Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. Prince Ferdinando succeeded to the title Duke of Genoa on 15 April 1931 following the death of his father.

Later on in his Naval career Prince Ferdinando would achieve the rank of admiral, and become commander of the upper Adriatic sea. He married at Turin on 28 February 1938 Countess Maria Luigia (1899–1986) an Italian noblewoman. They had no children.

The reign of the House of Savoy in Italy came to end on 12 June 1946 after a referendum was held and the Italian people voted to abolish the monarchy.

With his death in Bordighera his brother Prince Filiberto succeeded to the title Duke of Genoa.

Titles and styles

 * 21 April 1884 – 22 September 1904: His Royal Highness Prince Ferdinando of Savoy-Genoa
 * 22 September 1904 – 15 April 1931: His Royal Highness The Prince of Udine
 * 15 April 1931 – 24 June 1963: His Royal Highness The Duke of Genoa