Luigi IV of Naples

Luigi I in 1934

**Luigi** or **Luigi the Pius** (Luis Ruggero Napoleone Bonaparte; born 5 May 1890) is the King of Naples.

He ascended to the throne in April 1921, following Eugenio I's footsteps. Characterized as a political centrist, much like his predecessor, he has openly expressed his personal endorsement of certain voting reforms proposed by the Liberal Party. Despite these centrist tendencies, he has also exhibited a penchant for assertive leadership.

Notably, he holds a deep admiration for Emperor Charles I and maintains a relatively amicable relationship with the French Empire. However, his reign is often characterized as unremarkable or lacking in significant accomplishments.

## Crown Prince

### Early Life

Luis Ruggero Napoleon Bonaparte, born on May 4, 1890, was the eldest son of King Eugenio I and Infanta Isabella of Portugal. His formative years were spent within the opulent walls of the Royal Palace of Caserta, where he received a comprehensive education meticulously crafted to prepare him for the weighty responsibilities of leadership. However, within the confines of his royal upbringing, he was often regarded as a mischievous youth by those around him. He was also an alcohol addict in his early teenager years, resulting in multiple health issues.

His father, King Eugenio, was a man of great adventure, frequently absent from the royal residence on journeys that took the boy to the far reaches of the Alps and the distant French African Colonies. These voyages exposed him to a world beyond the palace's gilded confines and instilled in him a set of liberal ideals that would endure, at least partially, until his eventual coronation. Despite his father's sporadic presence, their relationship remained distant, leaving Luis Ruggero in the care of a multitude of tutors and guardians.

One of the significant challenges young Luis Ruggero faced was his strained relationship with his mother, Infanta Isabella. Their differences in political beliefs and ideologies created an emotional chasm between mother and son, resulting in a communication gap that left their interactions few and far between.

### Political Activism

During the 1910s and 1920s, Luis Ruggero had been an outspoken advocate of liberal ideologies. He frequently associated with the offspring of other prominent liberal politicians, fostering a network of like-minded individuals. Within the exclusive confines of the royal circle, discussions quietly swirled about the possibility of replacing him with his younger brother, Carlo Lodovico. However, his father steadfastly resisted such a change in the royal order.

Nevertheless, a significant transformation occurred in Luis Ruggero's beliefs following his coronation. His ascent to the throne marked a notable shift in his political views and demeanor.

## King of Naples

### Early Reign

Luigi ascended to the throne on April 27, 1921, at the age of 30, following in his father's footsteps. Over time, he underwent a moderate shift toward conservatism, fostering a positive rapport with Charles I and the Prince Imperial. Despite this conservative leaning, Luigi played a significant role in advocating for voting rights reform, contributing to a more inclusive political landscape.

His economic views are somewhat unconventional, characterized by his support for the principles of a free market. However, he also maintains a relative endorsement of colonialism and certain welfare programs, presenting an idiosyncratic blend of policies.

Although Luigi managed to enhance the monarchy's popularity among independent and liberal voters during his reign, he became a polarizing figure, drawing the ire of radical factions within the legislature. His policies effectively alienated the far left and the far right, setting the stage for a politically charged era.

### Recent Years

King Luigi's reign was marked by a significant drawback—his chronic indecisiveness. His propensity for delaying decisions for months, and sometimes even years, left many frustrated and exasperated, especially Prime Minister Giovanni Amendola. It was rumored that Amendola had resorted to labeling the King a "loiter" on multiple occasions. Consequently, their relationship grew icy, characterized by tension and mistrust.

Luigi's political stance gradually veered to the right, aligning more closely with France's interests. This shift, however, stirred discontent among the moderate socialists and nationalists. While he opposed Italian unification, he lacked the fervor typically associated with this stance. This nuanced approach to crucial political matters added to the complexities of his rule and the turbulent political climate of the era.

Maintaining a moderate stance throughout his reign, King Luigi skillfully managed to hold together a loose coalition of centrists. This approach allowed him to navigate the intricate web of political ideologies and maintain a semblance of stability in a time of shifting political tides.

## Personal Life

Experiencing precocious puberty, Giuseppe's early physical development posed challenges in his social interactions, particularly with females. Luigi IV's marriage to Beatrice, Countess of Taranto, raised eyebrows across Europe due to her lower noble status. The union received mixed reactions, with some European monarchs expressing disapproval. Nevertheless, Luigi and Beatrice's marriage produced two children:

* Giuseppe, Neapolitain Crown Prince (16 December 1919-), who is named after the first Bonaparte king of Naples Giuseppe I
* Princess Eleanor (29 September 1924-)