Bleeding Espresso

27 March 2008

love thursday: all hail the prince(s)

This year’s Easter Sunday celebrations brought a special visitor to my village:

Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Prince of Piedmont and Venice

This is the prince* at his wedding to French actress Clotilde Courau in 2003.

But no, I don’t have a photo of the prince’s visit to my village.

How’s that possible?

Well my very own Principe P and I were busy enjoying a gorgeous, lazy Sunday morning capping off a gorgeous, lazy weekend starting from Friday afternoon when these photos were taken:

Fairy tales can be fun, but the real thing is fabulous.

Happy Love Thursday everyone!

*Italy was ruled by the royal family, the House of Savoy, until the monarchy was voted out in a controversial election in 1946. In the Constitution of the new “republicca” all of the Savoia family’s male descendants were exiled from the country.

This provision was removed in 2002 when Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples, the last claimant to the House of Savoy, renounced all claims to the throne.

Just a year later, Prince Emanuele Filiberto, son of Vittorio Emanuele, married his bride in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs.

Six years later he came to my village. And I missed it.

45 beans of wisdom »

45 beans of wisdom to “love thursday: all hail the prince(s)”

Odessa on 27 Mar 2008 at 7:42 am #

oh, you guys looks adorable together! and who needs prince emanuele filiberto when you already have a prince of your own? =)

Odessa’s last blog post..happy easter!

Thanks Odessa…and I was thinking the same thing
Gil on 27 Mar 2008 at 8:20 am #

You both did better than the prince & his bride! I have a feeling that you will be in the next wedding picture that you post here?

Hmm…we’ll see Gil
Laurie on 27 Mar 2008 at 9:30 am #

I think our friend Gil has the right idea!!!!

Heh heh heh….
erin on 27 Mar 2008 at 9:50 am #

the real thing is so much better

is it just me, or does she look about 20 years older than him? (maybe she is, I don’t know these people)

erin’s last blog post..cinque terre & easter

Yeah he’s definitely still rockin’ the boyish charm thing; from my Wiki research, she’s a few years his senior (like me and P–I’m 2 years older), but not quite 20
Judith in Umbria on 27 Mar 2008 at 10:19 am #

That marriage is inexplicable. She: socialist, perhaps communist, successful actress, is said to be intelligent, although how does an intelligent women end up pregnant by him? He shows no dangerous signs of intelligence or political thoughts but would like the Italian people to pay him back for things he claims were wrongfully taken from him. Mind you, he will allow his grammy’s jewelry to remain in a museum in exchange for the hundreds of millions of euro he wants. Grammy’s jewelry has not been outside a vault since the Thirties and no one claims they are not his.

So, what was the first thing he did when allowed back into the country of his father’s birth? He made a TV commercial for olives. Very royal and statesmanlike, I think.

I think we connect turned up noses with youth. He looks like his mum and will want loads of surgery to not look too weird as an aged person with baby features.

OTH, I understand the urge to the other marriage quite well.

Judith in Umbria’s last blog post..Hot crossed buns for Easter

Well love is blind, and as my mom adds “deaf and dumb.” Who knows? They took back that claim about reparations, didn’t they? So not a smart move. Although it would fund that future plastic surgery….

Do you ever see them making fun of him on Striscia la Notizia? Poverino….
Joanne on 27 Mar 2008 at 10:29 am #

Yup, I’m with Judith. I think both EF and his mommy look kind of like monkeys and the whole trio creeps me out! Nice pics of you and your prince!

Joanne’s last blog post..The Ulitmate Blog Party and the Festa Italiana - cleaning up after the guests go home.

Oh the poor psuedo-royals! Thanks for the compliment though
running42k on 27 Mar 2008 at 11:01 am #

You guys look great together. Nice photo.

running42k’s last blog post..Recap

Thank you
Dory on 27 Mar 2008 at 12:25 pm #

What FABULOUS pics! You are adorable together! I thought P didn’t like having his picture taken … and you managed to get several this time! Woohoooo!

Dory’s last blog post..What’s in a name?

Yeah I don’t know what got into him, but I had to take advantage b/c who knows when this will happen again
Linda on 27 Mar 2008 at 12:30 pm #

The Savoia family reeks of fromage. And EF’s mom reminds me of a cross between Joan Rivers and Ornella Vanoni. Blech!
You and your principe are sweet!!

Linda’s last blog post..My Memey Easter

The royals are taking such a hit here today! They’ll never come back to my village And thanks Linda
Maryann on 27 Mar 2008 at 12:59 pm #

You know I have to say an “awww..how cute!”

Maryann’s last blog post..Pepino and Other Italian Mice

Thanks Maryann
jen of a2eatwrite on 27 Mar 2008 at 1:29 pm #

Sounds like missing it was by far the best thing to do!

jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..Wijvenweek/What’s Cooking Wednesday: The Ideal Man

We definitely had a nice Easter weekend even without the presence of royalty
jody on 27 Mar 2008 at 2:02 pm #

What a beautiful couple you guys make!

Yes, the real thing is fabulous!

Thank you Jody
alexmom on 27 Mar 2008 at 2:06 pm #

So nice to see your cute faces together in the same foto. What were the ex-royals doing there? Were there crowds and a big fuss?

Just making a visit to some friends, apparently–although I don’t think his wife was here.

You can see an interview with him in Badolato here–around the 10 minute mark is where the Prince appears…just steps from my door! Gah!
Wunschdenker on 27 Mar 2008 at 2:47 pm #

Royalty….something that’s difficult to fathom why the world has not yet put it behind us. American tabloids (and even reputable newspapers) are *filled* with news of the only “royalty” we’ve ever known - movie”stars”, which is just as sad and silly. But, at least U.S. “royalty” can’t demand a price for Oma’s jewels or be sent into exile. And, even though all the castles and palaces over here are cool to visit and all, it’s still nice to come from a place where we never had any….per se.

BTW, the cool looking couple in the schwarz-weiss photo? I’d much rather hang with them for an afternoon than the stiffies in the wedding get ups.

Tschuess!

Yeah I was never into the whole royalty thing either (I thought I was the only person who didn’t simply adore Princess Diana, may she rest in peace). The nostalgia of it is pretty cool, yes, but it all does seem rather outdated at this stage in the world, I agree.

And thanks. You and Austrian hubby are welcome anytime…but I guess you knew that
Wunschdenker on 27 Mar 2008 at 2:56 pm #

Sognatrice,
I meant to send this link with my beans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celebrity_worship
Crazy man….

Yeah! The more beans the merrier!

Also, this is all rather funny in light of my listing PerezHilton.com on the little questionnaire you sent me this morning
Diane Mandy on 27 Mar 2008 at 3:07 pm #

It looks as though you were having a better time without him anyway.

Diane Mandy’s last blog post..I’m not rubbing it in, really

I think that’s safe to say Diane
Wunschdenker on 27 Mar 2008 at 3:09 pm #

2 more beans: But I know you read it (mostly, eh?) for laughs. She’s an easy target - as she’s set herself up to be. Oh, such the squeaky wheel that one!

Oh but there’s so much more there! It covers all the star gossip from the unique point of view by someone who calls himself Perez Hilton…too funny!
nyc/caribbean ragazza on 27 Mar 2008 at 3:26 pm #

What bella photos! I was going to ask if P had eyelash extentions but remembered you live in So. Italy not So. California.

nyc/caribbean ragazza’s last blog post..Terroni, tears and “this sucks.”

Hah! That’s hilarious, particularly if you knew P. He won’t even let me watch Dr. 90210 anymore because it disgusts him. Same for me, but you know how it is…guilty pleasures
Bren on 27 Mar 2008 at 4:06 pm #

You two make a great couple! Great shots, and yes, the real thing is so much more wonderful.

Bren’s last blog post..Miss Attitude, Mr. Manners, Baby Cutie Pie, Late Night Monkeyman, and Monkeymama Meme

Thanks Bren
Christina Arbini on 27 Mar 2008 at 4:28 pm #

Okay, I REALLY need to mind myself a prince. Sigh. I would have loved to be Princess of Venice. How in the world did I miss out on THAT casting call?!

Christina Arbini’s last blog post..Wax On, Wax Off

Hah, could be because he was in exile when the “call” was put out
stacy on 27 Mar 2008 at 4:38 pm #

Wow - I can’t believe P let you post his picture! It is nice to see your cute couple-ness on the blog =) I am a big fan of the Italian “princes”. ::wink::

Happy Love Thursday!

PS - is there a date set?

stacy’s last blog post..Conversations with S…. and Chuck Norris

He doesn’t know..shh! And no, no date worth mentioning….
My Melange on 27 Mar 2008 at 5:31 pm #

Ahhh, who cares about the other Prince…when you have a Prince Charming of your very own!! Cute shots

My Melange’s last blog post..Plume Plume

Thanks Robin
Tammy on 27 Mar 2008 at 6:04 pm #

Your prince is much more handsome and you two look like you were enjoying your weekend.

Tammy’s last blog post..3WW / Thursday Love

Was definitely a gorgeous weekend; thanks Tammy
Liz on 27 Mar 2008 at 6:08 pm #

Aaaaand, this post is fabulous!

Liz’s last blog post..Love Thursday: Smile, you’re on candid karma!

Aw, thanks Liz
Paolo on 27 Mar 2008 at 6:34 pm #

I used up all my Ws on Flickr, so I’ll just say “complimenti!”

And speaking of Flickr… this pic summarises my thoughts on the royal family quite succinctly.

Paolo’s last blog post..Roberto Saviano meets Donnie Brasco

Hee hee hee hee….
Gill on 27 Mar 2008 at 7:43 pm #

You look like you were having a lovely time! Who needs royalty when you can revel in love…..

Gill’s last blog post..Cape Trip - Part One

Lovely indeed! Nice to see you Gill
Karina on 27 Mar 2008 at 8:44 pm #

Well, that’s certainly a good enough reason to miss the prince methinks. I love those pictures, especially the last one. You two are a great looking couple!

Karina’s last blog post..Not Gonna Do It! - Thursday Thirteen #48

Thanks Karina
Erin on 27 Mar 2008 at 10:02 pm #

Aw, that was so sweet. What nice pictures.

Erin’s last blog post..CAUTION: please read post BEFORE you freak out and email or call me…I didn’t cut my hair and not tell you!

Thank you Erin
SabineM on 28 Mar 2008 at 12:13 am #

Is he from your village?
Where they not in exile in Switzerland for a while? Or AM I confusing my royals?!
I love the photos of you and P

SabineM’s last blog post..Playing Nurse

My P is from my village, yes–the prince, not so much

And yes, the Savoy family were in exile from 1946 to 2002.
cheeky on 28 Mar 2008 at 1:08 am #

What a lovely surprise. It may sound weird but because you don’t often post photos of yourself, or P for that matter, it’s a real treat. Not that we’d grow tired of you two, never. I’d have to agree you have your own prince. You two are great together. I read most of the comments and it seems royalty is a subject that many have something to say about. Who knew? I have a few thoughts of my own. It is an interesting “fascination” and iconic symbol of much of Europe, of course England standing out in front.
xo

cheeky’s last blog post..Bush By Foot

Yes royalty does seem to be a provocative subject, for lack of a better term. I really don’t know all that much about it or the families as I’ve never really been drawn into learning about it, but now I’m getting curious. Glad you enjoyed the photos
Carole D. on 28 Mar 2008 at 3:36 am #

Che bella coppia! (You & P.). P. definitely has that southern simpatico, misterioso look, could even pass for one of my cousins. You’ll make beautiful bambini.

Hah! Thanks Carole; he’s definitely a southern Italian, that’s for sure
Shalet on 28 Mar 2008 at 4:50 am #

The real thing is better! Happy LT!

Thanks Shalet; hope you had a great LT too
Michelle Potter on 28 Mar 2008 at 5:53 am #

Looks like y’all were having a lovely time all on your own! Who needs a prince?

Michelle Potter’s last blog post..Wordless (Friday): My New Bag!

My thoughts exactly Michelle
JennDZ_The Leftover Queen on 28 Mar 2008 at 3:23 pm #

You guys are just way too cute! I am sorry, but you are! And I must agree the real thing is so much better! Fairytales are REAL!

JennDZ_The Leftover Queen’s last blog post..Finest Foodies Friday : Your Favorites!

No need to apologize Jenn Your day is almost here!
witnessing am i on 28 Mar 2008 at 4:44 pm #

I see a princess and a prince in your images — yet steeped in a real love.

All that is missing, of course, is that damned wedding.

witnessing am i’s last blog post..Father

Hah! I like that term for it too
Irene on 28 Mar 2008 at 5:40 pm #

You are so wise, dear girl. I don’t want to know if it is your thought or someone else’s, but I’ve just found my motto.

I quite like the young couple of Savoia. I don’t like his parents, though. Fake and repulsive. Sorry.

Irene’s last blog post..The Olympic Flame

No need to apologize to me Irene; glad you enjoyed the post
Janet on 28 Mar 2008 at 6:55 pm #

SO perfect for Love Thursday You two make a great couple!

Thanks Janet
Sara on 28 Mar 2008 at 7:32 pm #

Oh, but this is so much better. I am way more interested in your love story than his (though the political backstory is very intriguing indeed). Also, I would much rather see pictures of beautiful you two having a “gorgeous, lazy weekend” and being happy the way only us common folk can (I know; speak for myself) than gawk at royalty or movie stars.

Though they are not included in the view, I can imagine the puppy girls cavorting and lazing just out of frame along with you.

Real life, real love. A much better photo op, IMO.

Happy to be common folk here–you speak for me too
Susan at Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy on 28 Mar 2008 at 11:05 pm #

Awww! Very sweet photos. I have some dusty old ones like that around here somewhere….;)

I think both “Princes” are cute, though I am a little more partial to yours.

Susan at Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy’s last blog post..Pistachio-Crusted Flounder with Minneola-Ginger Buerre Blanc

Why thank you Susan–me too
Jen @ One Moms World on 29 Mar 2008 at 3:21 am #

I love the quote you wrote:
Fairy tales can be fun, but the real thing is fabulous.

It indeed is. I love the two of you in pictures. You all are creating your very own “real” fairy tale

Jen @ One Moms World’s last blog post..The Hair Results Are In

Thank you Jen, and thanks for stopping by
Bella Baita View on 29 Mar 2008 at 3:42 pm #

Wat a lovely couple and I don’t mean the Savoia’s.
What brought them to your village btw?

Bella Baita View’s last blog post..Mini Spinach Picnic Pot Pie

Actually it was just the Prince, and I’m told that he was visiting some friends–assuming he knows quite a few southerners, actually, since so many of the guys from down here go to Switzerland for work….
Seamus on 30 Mar 2008 at 2:17 pm #

Ah, wonderful post. Our own princes and princesses are always the best! Nice pics.

Seamus’s last blog post..A Shameless Graffito (N°7)

Thank you, I agree, and thank you
karen cole on 31 Mar 2008 at 6:11 pm #

Love Thursday and I missed it??????

I thought everyday in Italy is a love day!

Well every day everywhere should be love day, but we *always* celebrate on Thursdays
Wanderlust Scarlett on 31 Mar 2008 at 11:54 pm #

I think you got the real prince!

YAY!!!!!
Love the photos, as always.

XO
Scarlett & Viaggiatore

Wanderlust Scarlett’s last blog post..Write about that!

Thanks Scarlett, as always
Anali on 01 Apr 2008 at 5:39 am #

Beautiful picture of you two! : )

Anali’s last blog post..Homemade Bread Pledge - The End

Thanks Anali