At 3 p.m. on Saturday, the solemn funeral service took place in the Cathedral of San Giovanni in Turin, presided over by His Excellency Monsignor Paolo de Nicolò, Grand Prior of the Dynastic Orders, in the presence of the entire Royal Family, numerous representatives of foreign Royal Houses and many civil authorities, as well as representatives of the Dynastic Orders, the National Institute for the Guard of Honour at the Royal Tombs of the Pantheon and many associations.
The coffin of Prince Victor Emmanuel was carried into the church by six members of the Dynastic Orders, followed by the Duke of Savoy, Prince Emanuele Filiberto, and H.E. the Grand Chancellor, who wore the collar of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation. H.R.H. Prince Aimone, Duke of Aosta, H.R.H. Prince Dimitrj of Yugoslavia, H.R.H. Prince Serge of Yugoslavia and H.E. Count Agostino Guarienti di Brenzone were part of the escort of honour.
In a deeply moving atmosphere, the Grand Prior described the Prince’s personality and offered words of profound consolation, especially for His august consort, Princess Marina, and for the Duke of Savoy, Emanuele Filiberto, and His family.
Our heartfelt thanks go to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, H.M.E.H. the Sovereign Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Fr’ John Dunlap, H.M. Queen Sofia of Spain, H.M. King Fuad II of Egypt, to representatives of the Royal Houses of Albania, Saudi Arabia, Hesse, Austria Este, Belgium, Bonaparte, the Bourbons of the Two Sicilies, Bulgaria, Greece, Yugoslavia, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Orleans, Portugal, Russia, and to all those who brought comfort to a moment of sorrow with their warm presence.