In a sign of warm ties between two historic royal families, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Davit Bagrationi-Mukhrani of Georgia and His Royal Highness Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, Duke of Savoy and Prince of Venice, participated in an official exchange of honours during a private ceremony held at the Pontifical Lateran University located within the extraterritorial property of the Vatican City State in Rome. 

As part of this protocol exchange, H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto was conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of the Eagle of Georgia, one of the most esteemed honours of the Georgian Royal House. This order symbolizes the protection of Christianity and the ancient legacy of Georgia’s monarchic traditions. 

In return, H.R.H. Crown Prince Davit of Georgia was awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, one of Italy’s most ancient dynastic orders of knighthood established in 1572. The Order symbolizes Christian chivalric values and humanitarian efforts both in ancient and current times. 

The protocol exchange ceremony was also attended by H.E. Johannes Theo Niederhauser, Grand Chancellor of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, H.E. Nicolas Gagnebin, Grand Treasurer, H.E. Reverend Monsignor Paolo de Nicolo, Grand Prior, H.E. Prof. Alberto Bochicchio, Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Royal House of Savoy and H.E. Prince David Grabovac, Special Envoy of H.R.H. Crown Prince Davit. 

This reciprocal exchange of honours marks a renewal and strengthening of diplomatic and historical relations between the Royal House of Savoy and the Royal House of Georgia. It follows a mutual desire to enhance the ties between the two Houses, furthering their commitment to shared values and traditions. 

This historic event also celebrates the legacy of H.M. King Umberto II of Italy, who was previously decorated with the Order of the Eagle of Georgia, highlighting the historical connection between the two royal families.