On October 5 and 6, 2024, Rome hosted the General Chapter of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, an event that reached a historic milestone in terms of participation and significance. In fact, it was the Chapter with the highest number of participants ever recorded, an absolute record with over eight hundred guests, reflecting the growing commitment and importance of the Orders under the guidance of the Royal Family. This Chapter also marked an important transition: it was the first presided over by the Grand Master, H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto, successor to his father, H.R.H. Prince Vittorio Emanuele, who led and expanded the Orders for over forty years, leaving a legacy of deep dedication and renewal.
A TRIBUTE TO H.R.H. VITTORIO EMANUELE
Every moment of the two-day event was marked by a heartfelt tribute to H.R.H. Prince Vittorio Emanuele, who was a central figure in the contemporary history of the Dynastic Orders. His leadership allowed the Orders to strengthen, expand, and consolidate across Europe and the world, with a strong focus on charitable and cultural activities. The new Grand Master, H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto, repeatedly emphasized the value of his father’s legacy and confirmed his commitment to continuing along the path laid out by him, with particular attention to humanitarian and charitable projects, which from 1984 to 2023 have donated over 40 million euros to charity.
Today, the Dynastic Orders count around 2,700 active Dames and Knights worldwide.
THE DIPLOMA AWARDING CEREMONY AND KEY MOMENTS
One of the most significant moments of the Chapter was the diploma awarding ceremony, during which prominent figures received important honors. Notably, Dr. Gianni Letta and H.E. the Bailiff Grand Cross of Honor and Devotion in Obedience, Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternó Count of Montecupo of the Dukes of San Nicola, had the honor of receiving, for the first time, the Collar of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. This decoration, of extraordinary symbolic and historical value, was reinstated after 70 years of suspension. Its restoration marks a moment of historical continuity and renewed vigor in the activities of the Orders, confirming their central role in promoting the values of charity and assistance.
SOLIDARITY AT THE HEART: THE VISIT TO THE PETER PAN ASSOCIATION
Outside the formal context of the Chapter, a special visit was made to the Peter Pan Association, an organization that offers support and accommodation to children with cancer and their families. H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto, accompanied by the Grand Chancellor, H.E. Knight of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation Johannes Theo Niederhauser, and the Grand Treasurer, H.E. Knight Grand Cross OSSML Nicolas Gagnebin, personally met with the young residents of the facility, offering them words of encouragement and affection. This gesture further strengthened the bond between the Dynastic Orders and the charitable initiatives that are at the core of their mission. The proceeds from the Saturday evening gala dinner and the donations collected during the Sunday Eucharistic celebration were dedicated to the Peter Pan Association, helping to support activities for the children and their families.
Thanks to the contributions from the Dames and Knights, the funds raised during the event will make it possible to finance the rent of a room for one year to accommodate families of children receiving treatment at the adjacent pediatric oncology hospital, provide transportation services for the young residents of the facility, and celebrate the birthdays of the children for a full year.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: EXCHANGE OF DECORATIONS WITH THE ROYAL HOUSE OF GEORGIA
Another significant moment during the Chapter was the meeting between the Royal House of Savoy and the Royal House of Georgia, represented by Crown Prince H.R.H. Davit Bagration Mukhrani, who received the Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. During the ceremony, a meaningful exchange of decorations took place between the two Royal Families, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between these ancient houses, united by shared values of solidarity and support for humanitarian causes.
CHARITY GALA IN SUPPORT OF THE PETER PAN ASSOCIATION
The Charity Gala at Palazzo Colonna: A Prestigious Evening
On the evening of Saturday, October 5, an extraordinary charity gala was held in the magnificent setting of Palazzo Colonna, an event that marked one of the most prestigious moments of the General Chapter. Nearly 400 guests attended, leading to early closure of registrations due to overwhelming interest.
H.R.H. the Grand Master, after welcoming his guests, gave the floor to H.E. the Grand Chancellor, who then introduced the President of the Peter Pan Association, Mr. Maniero.
In the presence of Their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Master Prince Emanuele Filiberto, Hereditary Princess Vittoria, and Princess Helene of Yugoslavia, accompanied by her family, the event was particularly appreciated by the attendees. The guest of honor was His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ John Dunlap, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and Knight of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation, accompanied by important diplomatic figures such as Ambassador Rousseau and Marquis Zanardi Landi.
Among the distinguished guests were the High Officers of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, including H.S.H. Prince Alessandrojacopo Boncompagni Ludovisi Altemps, President of the Grand Magisterial Council and Advisor to the Grand Magisterium of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, who also holds a prestigious position at the Embassy of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta to the Holy See.
The event was also attended by journalist Dr. Cesara Buonamici, always attentive and supportive of the charitable initiatives of the Savoy Dynastic Orders.
The gala attracted nobility, clergy representatives, and other prominent figures from around the world. Almost all the Italian and foreign Delegations were present, with guests from America, Japan, China, Canada, and many other nations, along with numerous benefactors who contributed to the evening. The event’s proceeds will fund three major charitable projects in support of the Peter Pan Association, benefiting sick children and their families.
SUNDAY: A DAY OF FAITH AND TOGETHERNESS
The second day of the Chapter began with a solemn Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, celebrated by the new Grand Prior of the Dynastic Orders, H.E. Monsignor Giuseppe Sciacca, in the presence of over 300 Dames and Knights, who processed wearing their traditional church mantles. They were accompanied by their families and guests, bringing the total attendance to over 800 people. The ceremony was made even more majestic by an extraordinary choir that accompanied the liturgical moments. Following the Holy Mass, participants enjoyed a charity breakfast organized at the Lateran Palace, where guided tours of the stunning historic spaces were also offered, concluding a morning immersed in a breathtaking atmosphere of faith and tradition.
H.R.H. Hereditary Princess Vittoria wore the Collar of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation, which belonged to her grandfather, H.R.H. Prince Vittorio Emanuele, over her church robe.
