Andrew, Duke of Calabria

Andrew, Duke of Calabria was born on October 30th, 1327

Full Name: Andrew, Duke of Calabria

Nationality: Italian

Profession: Nobleman

Title: Duke of Calabria

House: House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies

Father: Infante Carlos, Duke of Calabria

Mother: Princess Anne of Orléans

Heir: Prince of the Two Sicilies

Claimant to the throne of Naples and Sicily, known for his involvement in the Italian Wars of Independence. He played a key role in the unification of Italy.

Written by:

Cassandra Blake

Andrew, Duke of Calabria: The Forgotten Royal with a Claim to Naples

Andrew, Duke of Calabria, is best known for his tumultuous marriage to Joanna I of Naples and his bitter struggle for the Neapolitan crown. As the son of Charles I of Hungary and brother of Louis I of Hungary, Andrew's life was marked by a relentless pursuit of power and a fierce determination to claim his rightful place on the throne.

Early Life and Engagement

Andrew was born on October 30, 1327, as the second of three surviving sons of King Charles I of Hungary and his third wife, Elizabeth of Poland. In 1334, he was betrothed to his cousin Joanna, the granddaughter and heiress apparent of King Robert of Naples. This union was meant to strengthen the ties between the Capetian House of Anjou and the Neapolitan royal family.

The Struggle for the Crown

When King Robert died in 1343, he formally bequeathed his kingdom to Joanna, making no mention of Andrew and thus denying him the right to reign alongside his wife. This snub did not sit well with Andrew, who saw it as a betrayal of his birthright. With the approval of Pope Clement VI, Joanna was crowned sole monarch of Naples in August 1344, further solidifying Andrew's determination to claim the throne.

A Mother's Intervention

Fearing for her son's life, Elizabeth of Poland intervened on Andrew's behalf, making a state visit to Naples and allegedly bribing Pope Clement to reverse his earlier decision and permit Andrew's coronation. She also gifted Andrew a ring said to protect him from death by blade or poison, which would later become a symbol of his perceived invincibility.

The Fall of Joanna and the Rise of Andrew

In the summer of 1344, Joanna fell ill, and Andrew saw an opportunity to seize power. He released the Pipini, a group of nobles loyal to him, who began to conspire against Joanna. This move would ultimately lead to Andrew's downfall, as it sparked widespread controversy and resentment among the Neapolitan nobility.

Legacy and Impact

Andrew's struggle for the Neapolitan crown may have ended in failure, but his legacy as a determined and ambitious royal continues to fascinate historians. His story serves as a testament to the cutthroat nature of medieval politics and the lengths to which individuals would go to claim power.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

October 30, 1327: Andrew was born as the second son of Charles I of Hungary and Elizabeth of Poland.
1334: Andrew was betrothed to Joanna, granddaughter and heiress apparent of King Robert of Naples.
1343: King Robert died, bequeathing his kingdom to Joanna and denying Andrew's claim to the throne.
August 1344: Joanna was crowned sole monarch of Naples, sparking Andrew's struggle for power.
Summer 1344: Andrew released the Pipini, sparking controversy and resentment among the Neapolitan nobility.
September 18, 1345: Andrew died under mysterious circumstances, allegedly poisoned by Joanna or her supporters.

Timeline

1901

Born in Madrid, Spain

Andrew, Duke of Calabria was born on January 30, 1901, in Madrid, Spain. He was a member of the Spanish royal family.

1931

Married to Princess Alicia of Bourbon-Parma

Andrew, Duke of Calabria married Princess Alicia of Bourbon-Parma in 1931.

1944

Became the Head of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies

After the death of his father, Andrew became the head of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies in 1944.

1960

Lost his throne

The Italian Republic was established, and Andrew, Duke of Calabria lost his throne in 1960.

1983

Died in Madrid, Spain

Andrew, Duke of Calabria passed away on February 3, 1983, in Madrid, Spain.

Andrew, Duke of Calabria Quiz

What was Andrew, Duke of Calabria's claim to?

Score: 0/5

FAQ

Who is Andrew, Duke of Calabria?

Andrew, Duke of Calabria is a member of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and the heir presumptive to the defunct throne of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. He is the son of Ferdinand, Duke of Castro, and the grandson of Prince Ranieri, Duke of Castro.

What is Andrew, Duke of Calabrias role in the royal family?

Andrew, Duke of Calabria is the current head of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and the representative of the royal family. He is involved in various cultural and charitable activities and seeks to promote the history and heritage of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

What are Andrew, Duke of Calabrias interests?

Andrew, Duke of Calabria has a strong interest in history, particularly the history of his family and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. He is also involved in various charity and cultural organizations and supports several initiatives to preserve the cultural heritage of Italy.

What is Andrew, Duke of Calabrias relationship with the Italian royal family?

Andrew, Duke of Calabria has a close relationship with the Italian royal family, particularly the House of Savoy. He has been involved in several events and activities with the Italian royal family and has sought to promote cooperation and understanding between the two royal houses.

What are Andrew, Duke of Calabrias goals for the royal family?

Andrew, Duke of Calabrias goal is to promote the history and heritage of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and to ensure the continuation of the royal familys cultural and charitable activities. He also seeks to strengthen the relationship between the royal family and the people of Italy.

Related People: