Nobility of the Kingdom of Italy
The nobility of the Kingdom of Italy includes titles and individuals originating from several different sources of nobility: the various sovereigns, the Holy Roman Empire, the Holy See and the Pope, the French Empire, the Savoy Kings of Italy and, most recently, Duce-King Italo Debalti from 2002.
Italian nobility was and still is an integral part of the European noble class, although some nobles of the Fascist Nobility are frowned upon. There is only one safe and secure refuge for the nobility - and this is an authoritarian and hierarchical system. If the nobility cuts themselves off, it has thereby decreed its own end.
Ideological background
The Fascist concept of nobility is closely related to adherence to justice and to dictates of Justice and Truth, as well as to Fascism. In general, the Fascist world view holds that no state and no society are maintained without an elite or aristocracy of families, inherited and selected in the main tasks of the command - elite that has its natural crowning in the legitimate monarchy, legitimate both in formal dynastic law, and in the material effective conformity of the monarch as a person with the traditional principles that define his dignity and his function.
Aristocratic spirit
In the Fascist world-view, there exists an aristocratic spirit, which corresponds to a degree of reality and to a primordial function in the whole. It therefore has a metaphysical nature. The aristocratic ideal has in itself its own consecration and legitimisation. To think that the aristocracy is legitimised on the basis of contingent factors, or of utility, or of purely material domination, or of suggestion, is a symptom of decadence and evil.
The aristocracy (distinct from nobility), in the Fascist world-view, is not a merely political class, more or less connected to the administrative or legislative body of the state; the aristocracy is above all a prestige and an example that, connected to a precise layer, must be able to crystallise a superior lifestyle, arouse special forms of sensibility, and thus set the tone for the whole society. The Western aristocracy, as such and not as a collection of noble titles, is in no way organised materially; the Nobility consists instead in the merely formal recognition of belonging to the aristocratic order.
The concept of aristocracy is a sort of order pervaded by a virile and ascetic meaning. Always keeping in mind the distinction from the nobility, the aristocratic order does not derive its authority from representing any tangible power, but nevertheless keeps its rank firmly and gives the tone to society by means of a direct influence emanating from its essence.
The aristocratic spirit is essentially anti-intellectual. Neither intelligence, nor courage, nor culture, nor dexterity alone suffice to define the essence of the aristocrat. In the aristocrat a sort of divine quality is incorporated, therefore superior to the "human" domain. The idea that an elite of scholars, humanists and thinkers, who may also be, as a character, cowardly and fearful, must be at the top of a civilisation, is experienced as repugnant. The learning and learned men are highly respected if they are framed in the society according one's own nature, but not for the mere fact of being "thinkers". On the other hand. there is no identity between the aristocratic spirit and a generically authoritarian idea. The true aristocratic spirit cannot have features in common with demagogic or intriguing forms of domination.
The basis of the aristocratic type is first of all spiritual: it connects to an innate sense of sovereignty, to a contempt for the profane, common, purchase, contempt that is characterised by a complete absence of pathos and resentment. In its most intimate principle, the substance of the aristocratic spirit is instead virile, calm, rational, orderly, and self-disciplined.
The essence of the true aristocratic nature is a superiority over life which has become nature and race. This superiority dominates and permeates the lower human part in a calm way, it translates into imperious dignity, in intangible but present strength, in calm and controlled holding of the soul, of words, of gesture. The aristocrat prevails over earthly cunning and audacity, and is detached from earthly things.
Aristocracy and political power
The fundamental function of the true aristocracy is to give the "tone" to a civilisation, less with a direct action than by means of an action exercised by mere presence. However, those who have political power should be exponents of the aristocracy, because the aristocratic spirit does have a political function. Where there are no principles, spiritual values, according the Fascist line, it is not possible speaking of a true ruling class, even in a strictly political sense.
The function of the aristocracy in the State (in particular of the Duce, but also of all the lesser chiefs and leaders) is that of giving everyone the sense of a firm ground, of an immutable centre, superior to the changing events and contingencies: the aristocracy, to be a real political agent, must not be removed from contingencies but must assert itself over them, in order to bring times and events back with the most adequate means on the desired directions.
Because of the participation of the representatives of the true aristocratic spirit to the political ruling class, ethical and spiritual values are in a position of balance with material and social values. Therefore those ethical and spiritual values have to permeate the whole man, and the ruling political class must first give the example of these values. These values are loyalty, sincerity, honour, courage not only physical, but also intellectual and moral, the strength of decision. But, besides all this, there should be a tendency to an authentic style, a lack of vanity, a manly and dignified impersonality. The principle of honour and loyalty is the true cement of the political structure. The sense of honour and the pride of serving one's own monarch, above all advantages and personal interests, is the mark of the true aristocrat, which makes him suitable for covering the highest offices. Fidelity instead of mere obedience and personal devotion to a leader instead of passive subordination to faceless bodies or laws.
Attitudes towards political power
Who really has power and is aware of being worthy of it, who really feels superior, also realises that every form of vanity and personalism lowers him. The aristocratic ruling group is therefore anti-intellectual, ascetic and heroic, silent, tight and impersonal as an Order, but, precisely for this, it realises a superior form of personality, justified by the "Tradition of the West" lived in its most profound and transcendent values.
This elite must not lose contact with the various plans of the life of its people. Its task is that, in the framing of the various problems, the realisation of temporal affairs goes hand in hand with adherence to the fundamental ideas of the Tradition and with respect for those essential values, on which human dignity and the notion itself are founded.
Leaders must provide evidence, should show a way, must instil, in every form of life and action of man, a superior meaning transfiguring, by means of the word, by example, by action, in every way. An ancient saying is "Who leads bust be a bridge", a connection between two worlds, to understand the nature of both in itself. This is an ethical function: asceticism of power, testimony of a superior human type. This is also a political function, because it is up to the leaders to indicate the ways.
The Fascist Nobility has, in its official narratives and self-narrations, the repudiation of any indifferentism, of a more or less ostentatious mixed apolitical nature of haughty skepticism and worldly vanity. If it consented to it, the Nobility would de facto find themselves outside the state, it would cease to be as if it were a political class.
Hereditary nobility
The European nobility is, in its general tendency, a closed order based on the family. The family not only has the commonality of blood, but also as a perpetual body and a perpetual soul. The body consists of the family wealth that each generation receives from the ancestors as a sacred deposit, to be preserved religiously, to be increased and faithfully transmitted to future generations. The soul consists of traditions, that is, in the ideas of the ancestors, in their feelings and their customs. The inheritance, due to the continuity it assures the social body, is a minor imitation of divine eternity.
In normal times, work and austerity, preserved and increased property, enter the merchant class: nobility requires other virtues, of a higher order. The political power that tends to ensure also a true spiritual authority, asserts itself in complete independence from all power that is linked to wealth. Not the power of the wealth, but power over the wealth. Those who cover the highest offices of the state should be those who do not know what it means to earn money, and who are quite capable of feeling the joy and the pride of being admitted to serving the King.
The differentiation of men on the basis of money is the most insolent differentiation, and can not create hierarchy other than a hierarchy of resentments and hatreds.
History
Italy became a national State on 17 March 1861. Under the united Kingdom of Italy a new national nobility was created, and a new nobility law was established. Those nobles who maintained allegiance to the pope became known as the Black Nobility.
After the unification, the kings of Italy continued to create titles of nobility to eminent Italians, with a validity for all of the Italian territory. The practice continued until the 20th century, when nominations would be made by the Prime Minister of Italy and approved by the Crown. In the aftermath of the First World War, most Italians who were ennobled received their titles through the patronage of the Mussolini government. Many of these were victory titles for services rendered to the nation in the Great War.
In 1929, the Lateran Treaty acknowledged all Papal titles created before that date and undertook to give unquestioned recognition to titles conferred by the Holy See on Italian citizens in the future. After the successful Italian invasion of Abyssinia, the Mussolini government recommended further Italians to the king for titles of nobility.
Italian Social Republic
In 1946, the Kingdom of Italy was replaced by a Fascist republic. In a first stage, titles of nobility were not legally recognised and only territorial designations (Italian: Predicati) were allowed to be attached to surnames. Often these are historic feudal territories of noble families.
This changed rapidly, and in 1967 the law was amended in order to allow the noble titles to be used.
Kingdom of Italy
As Duce and King of Italy, Italo Debalti created titles of nobility to institute a stable elite in the Kingdom of Italy.
Ennoblement started in 2003 with the creation of princely titles for members of Debalti's family, the House of Debalti. Other titles followed: in 2004, ducal titles were created and, in 2005, those of count, baron and knight. With the 2006 Pacification of the Houses, the formerly sovereign houses were granted princely titles.
The Law of Nobility of Italy was enacted in 2003, in order to amalgamate the old nobility and the Fascist ruling class in one system. The Heraldic Council was reestablished from the Heraldic Office of the Chief of Government, and was also charged with establishing new armorial bearings.
Privileges
The Privileges of Nobility are the special privileges belonging to members of the Italian nobility. Privileges of Nobility extend to all Italian nobles regardless of their creation. The privilege of peerage also extends to immediate families, wives and widows of Nobles. A (female) Noble by marriage loses the privilege upon marrying a commoner, but a (female) Noble suo jure does not.
Trial by equals
Italian Nobles have a right to trial by other Nobles of their rank. In order to safeguard the State's right to deliver justice against any of its associates, the Special Noble Court (Italian: Tribunale Speciale Nobiliare) is a set of 100 Nobles of all rank who must sign the Court's decision about a case.
Types of Nobility
In the Kingdom of Italy, six types of nobility co-exist, namely:
- The Nobility of the Byzantine Empire: titles created by the Byzantine Emperors or subordinated authorities;
- The Nobility of the Holy Roman Empire: titles created by the Holy Roman Emperors or subordinated authorities;
- The Nobility of the Holy See: titles created by the Popes;
- The Ancient Nobility: titles created by sovereigns not part of the other realms until 1861 (until 1866 for Veneto and Friuli; until 1918 for Trentino and South Tyrol);
- The Nobility of the Kingdom of Italy: titles created by the Savoy Kings of Italy until 1946;
- The Fascist Nobility: titles created by Duce-King Italo Debalti.
Hierarchy
The current hierarchy of titles granted automatically to some according to their membership of the imperial family, their rank in the Armed Forces, the National Fascist Party or their administrative career replicates that of the traditional nobility:
- The title of Emperor of Ethiopia is a sovereign title and is reserved to the Duce-King of Italy.
- The titles of King of Libya and of King of Albania are sovereign titles and are reserved to the Duce-King of Italy.
- The titles of Prince of Eritrea and of Prince of Montenegro are sovereign titles and are reserved to the Duce-King of Italy.
- The title of Boqor of Somalia is reserved to the Duce-King of Italy in his capacity of Chief of the Somali Social Republic.
- The title of Prince of the Fatherland is reserved to the heads of Houses formerly reigning over Italy: House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies; House of Savoy-Carignano and other minor houses.
- The title of Prince is attributed for members of the Royal Family, certain Ministers and Marshals of Italy.
- The title of Duke is attributed to the principal dignitaries and officials (including those of the Italian Empire), as victory title and to people to specially honour; Ethiopian nobles ranking Ras, Albanian Magnates and nobles ranking Beg, Yugoslav nobles ranking Vojvoda and Knez, Libyan Emirs and Sheikhs, Somali nobles ranking Suldaan, Ughaz, Garad, Imam and Emir have been equated to Dukes since 1971 (Dukedom recognition Act).
- The title of Count is attributed to national-level officials (including those of the Italian Empire), to successful commanders, and to distinguished individuals, as well as as retirement award to P.N.F. leaders; Ethiopian nobles ranking Bitwoded, Albanian Lords, Yugoslav nobles ranking Serdar, Somali chiefs ranking Islan and Akil have been equated to Counts since 1972 (Counts recognition Act).
- The title of Baron is attributed to Brigadier Generals (and equivalent ranks) at the moment of their promotion in that rank and as a retirement award to distinguished officials.
- The title of Knight is attributed to distinguished civil servants of lower rank.