The Carignano Lineage
Exploring the life and legacy of Louis Victor, 4th Prince of Carignano, and his pivotal role in European history.
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Overview
A Noble Prince
Louis Victor of Savoy, the 4th Prince of Carignano, was a significant figure within a cadet branch of the Italian House of Savoy. He held the title of Prince of Carignano from 1741 until his death in 1778. His lineage would eventually lead to the unification of Italy, with his great-grandson succeeding to the throne of Sardinia and his great-great-grandson becoming the first King of Italy.
European Connections
Born in Paris to a father who was a courtier and gambler, Louis Victor's life was intertwined with both French and Italian aristocracy. His family's ancestral lands in Piedmont, though modest, formed the basis of his princely title. His marriage to Princess Christine of Hesse-Rotenburg further solidified his European connections.
Historical Significance
While not a reigning monarch, Louis Victor's importance lies in his direct lineage. The Carignano branch, through him, became instrumental in the future of the House of Savoy and the Kingdom of Sardinia, ultimately contributing to the formation of modern Italy. His descendants played crucial roles in subsequent European political landscapes.
Early Life and Heritage
Birth and Parentage
Louis Victor was born on 25 September 1721, at the Hรดtel de Soissons in Paris. His parents were Victor Amadeus I, Prince of Carignano, and Maria Vittoria of Savoy. His father was a descendant of Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, and Infanta Catherine Michelle of Spain. Notably, his mother was a legitimated daughter of Victor Amadeus II of Sardinia and his mistress, Jeanne Baptiste d'Albert de Luynes, highlighting a complex but significant royal connection.
Family Lineage
As the second son, Louis Victor was the heir presumptive to the Carignano title from birth, following the early death of his elder brother, Joseph Victor. His sister, Anne Thรฉrรจse, married into the French nobility, becoming the Princess of Soubise and later the governess to the children of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, underscoring the family's prominent position within French society.
Princely Career
Inheriting the Title
Upon his father's death in 1741, Louis Victor assumed the title of Prince of Carignano. The historical fief of Carignano, located near Turin, had been associated with the House of Savoy since 1418. However, it was primarily a titular princedom, lacking significant independence or substantial revenues, serving more as a prestigious designation within the broader Savoyard domain.
Financial Challenges
Louis Victor's father had accumulated considerable debt in Piedmont due to a luxurious lifestyle and gambling. This financial strain continued, forcing Louis Victor's son to sell significant family assets in France. This context highlights the economic realities faced by some branches of European nobility during this era.
Personal Life and Descendants
Marriage and Children
On 4 May 1740, Louis Victor married Princess Christine of Hesse-Rheinfels-Rotenburg. She was the sister of Queen Polyxena, the deceased wife of the King of Sardinia. The union produced nine children, establishing a significant line of descendants. The most historically prominent among them was Princess Maria Luisa Teresa, known as the Princesse de Lamballe, whose close friendship with Queen Marie Antoinette led to her tragic death during the French Revolution.
Enduring Legacy
Louis Victor's descendants continued to hold significant positions. His line directly contributed to the succession of the Italian throne. Figures like Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples, and Amedeo, 5th Duke of Aosta, represent modern claimants to the defunct Italian monarchy, tracing their ancestry back to Louis Victor. His lineage also extends to prominent European houses like the House of Lobkowicz.
Ancestral Connections
The Ahnentafel
The intricate web of ancestry for Louis Victor, Prince of Carignano, reveals deep connections to major European royal and noble houses. His lineage traces back through the House of Savoy, linking him to significant figures in Italian and French history. The following table illustrates his direct paternal and maternal lines up to the 8th generation.
| 1. Louis Victor, Prince of Carignano | |||
| 2. Victor Amadeus I, Prince of Carignano | 3. Maria Vittoria of Savoy | ||
| 4. Emmanuel Philibert, Prince of Carignano | 5. Maria Caterina d'Este | ||
| 6. Victor Amadeus II of Sardinia | 7. Maria Vittoria, Marquise of Susa | ||
| 8. Thomas Francis, Prince of Carignano | 9. Marie, Countess of Soissons | ||
| 10. Borso d'Este | 11. Ippolita d'Este | ||
| 12. Charles Emmanuel II, Duke of Savoy | 13. Marie Jeanne Baptiste of Savoy | ||
| 14. Louis Charles d'Albert, duc de Luynes | 15. Anne de Rohan | ||
This genealogical chart highlights his direct paternal lineage from the Princes of Carignano and his maternal lineage connected to the Dukes of Savoy and French nobility.
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