Thursday, September 25, 2014

Little Princess gets ten names!

September 25, 1934

Italy's newest princess was baptized today in a private ceremony in Naples.  The "black haired baby" was born last night to Crown Princess Marie José and Crown Prince Umberto of Italy, reports the Associated Press.

The princess has received ten names: Maria Pia Elena Elisabetta Margherita, Melina Mafalda Ludovika Tecla Gennara.  She will be known as Princess Maria Pia.

Princess Maria Pia is the first child of the Crown Prince and Princess.  Her birth "set all Italy to rejoicing," and her grandfather, King Vittorio Emanuele III was so pleased that he "signed an amnesty releasing Italians prisoned for two years or less, for certain crimes."

The baby was baptized with the water from the River Jordan and from the River Piave, where Italian armies "won their great victory in the World War."

The baptism took place in the room next to the Crown Princess's chamber in the presence of Crown Prince Umberto, Queen Elena of Italy and Queen Elisabeth of Belgium, the Crown Princess' mother.

Maria Pia weight 8 and 3/4 lbs.

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