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Thursday, November 13, 2008

Marital rumors swirl around Giovanna

November 13, 1926

Princess Giovanna of Italy celebrates her 21st birthday today as marital rumors are beginning to reach a peak. The most obvious candidate is King Boris III of the Bulgarians, although officials deny or ignore the stories. It is noted that a marriage between the Bulgarian king and the princess would have immense political value between the two countries, and increase Italian influence in the Balkans. Another possible contender for the princess' hand is Prince Charles of Belgium, the Count of Flanders, although the princess is said to admire the Marquise de Pinedo, the aviator, who was recently honored by the United States when he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. At one of the two court balls last season, the Princess led off with the Marquise, who was also a guest in the royal box at the Davis Cup in the Spring.
A marriage with a member of the Italian nobility would not be a surprise as Giovanna's oldest sister, Yolanda, is married to the Count Calvi di Bergolo.
One king is not consider a candidate. King Zogu of Albania is a Muslim, and the Catholic church is unlikely to grant a dispensation for a marriage between a non-Christian and a Roman Catholic princess.

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