The mudslinging begins

Prince Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy has come out swinging in response to his cousin, Prince Amedeo's announcement that Amedeo's grandson, Umberto, will be bear the title of Prince of Piedmont. This title is usually borne by the heir to the Italian throne. Amedeo has taken the position that he is the heir to the throne, and not King Umberto's son, because of Vittorio Emanuele's marriage and correspondence between Umberto and his son concerning his marriage to Marina Doria, an Italian commoner. Today, Vittorio Emanuele issued a statement, claiming that Amedeo and his family are not entitled to the style of Royal Highness, but are merely Serene Highnesses.
On January 1, 1890, King Umberto I issued a decree that established the HRH and the title of Prince and Princess of Savoy for the children of the king, and the children of the Hereditary Prince. Other members of the family would have the title of Prince or Princess of Savoy with the style of Serene Highness. On May 12, 1946, King Umberto II issued a royal decree that gave the HRH to all the members of the Italian royal family.