WTI Magazine #78    2016 April 15
Author : Giovanni Verde      Translation by:

Elena of Montenegro was born in Cetinje on January 8, 1873. Daughter of the future King of Montenegro Nicholas I (Nikola Mirkov Petrović Njegoš), she is educated with the values of a united family; at the table the conversations were held in French, discussing politics and poetry with equal aplomb. Elena grows up shy and reserved, but also quite stubborn. Very attached to the traditions, with a sensitive soul and a lively and curious mind, she has a strong love of nature.

She studies at Smolny College in St. Petersburg, attending the Russian Royal House and collaborating with the literary magazine Russian Nedelja, publishing poems. Meanwhile, in Italy Queen Margherita expresses concern about the fate of her only son, future king. In agreement with the Italian Government, being her of Albanian origin and eager for a greater opening of Italy towards the Slavic world, she combines the meeting between the two young kids, that takes place at the theater La Fenice in Venice on the occasion of an International Art Exhibition.

They say it was suddenly love. After another meeting in Russia, Vittorio Emanuele III formulates the official request of marriage to Elena's father, Nicholas I. Being of Orthodox religion, in order to marry a Catholic Prince Elena has to abjure and consequently convert to the Catholic faith. The marriage is celebrated on October 24, 1896: the civil ceremony is held at the Quirinale, the religious one in the Roman Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, where Elena's mother doesn't attend because of her Orthodox religion.

Following the defeat of the Italian army at Adowa, Ethiopia, the marriage is not celebrated in a gorgeous expensive way: but many real foreigners are among the guests. A special stamp is designed for the event, known as "Wedding of Vittorio Emanuele III": however, the stamp it is never issued, apart from rare copies. But numerous souvenir medals with the busts of the married couple are issued.

Elena completely supports Vittorio Emanuele. Her presence next to the sovereign remains always humble and discreet: she never gets involved in strictly political issues, but she is always dedicated and attentive to the needs of her adopted people. Particularly skilled in the study of foreign languages, she often acts as a translator to her husband for Russian, Serbian and modern Greek languages. On August 11 1900, following the assassination of his father, Vittorio Emanuele suddenly rises to the throne. From the official point of view, Elena assumes all the titles of her husband HM Vittorio Emanuele III: Queen of Italy and, with the advent of the Colonial Empire, Queen of Albania and Empress of Ethiopia. The Royal couple moves in Rome, at the Quirinale.

On December 28 1908 Reggio Calabria and Messina are hit by a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami. Queen Elena immediately commits herself to help and relief, as shown by photographs of the time; this helps to increase her popularity. During World War I Elena works as a time full nurse and with the help of the Queen Mother turns into hospitals both the Quirinale and Villa Margherita.

Queen Elena finances charitable works in favor of encephalitic, needy mothers, people with tubercolosis, veterans. On April 15 1937 Pope Pius XI awards her with the Golden Rose of Christianity, the most important honor given at that time to a woman by the Catholic Church. In July 1943, King Vittorio Emanuele III arrests Mussolini and leaves Rome on September 9, taking refuge in Brindisi, helped by the new allies. Elena follows her husband in the so-called "escape".

After the war, on May 9 1946, Vittorio Emanuele III abdicates in favor of his son Umberto, takes the name of Count of Pollenzo and goes into exile with Elena. The couple is welcomed in Alexandria of Egypt by King Farouk I. Elena and her husband remain in Egypt until the latter's death, on December 28 1947. Three years later, the Queen finds out she has cancer, and moves Montpellier, France, where she dies on November 28 1952.

A sensible and pragmatic spirit, Queen Elena always stayed away from the political issues and dedicated her efforts to a huge number of charitable and welfare initiatives, thus securing a wide popularity. For these reasons she has been, among the personalities of the House of Savoy, the most appreciated by the public, even after the advent of the Republic.