September 12, 1923
Once again, there are reports in Italy of the "probable engagement" of the young Duke of Brabant, heir to the Belgian throne, to Princess Mafalda, second daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele, reports the New York Times.
King Albert and Queen Elisabeth's, visit to Castle Racconigi "has been marked by such cordial intimacy" to renew the reports of a possible marriage. The Duke of Brabant accompanied his parents to Italy, thus giving further credence to the reports.
The reports also focus on the possibility of a double betrothal as Crown Prince Umberto, is interested in the Belgian king's only daughter, 17-year-old Princess Marie Jose, who spent several years at a Florence boarding school.
It seems that a union between Leopold and one of the Savoy sisters was deeply desired by both nations, partly due to the fact that they weren't German/Austrian and because all parties were Catholic. Leopold must not have liked the Savoy women much (or they him) because he kept looking for another couple of years until he hit it off with Astrid.
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