The Coat of Arms of the House of Savoy

Map

Coat of Arms of the House of Savoy, Palazzo della Consulta

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On May 9th 1946, Vittorio Emanuele III, the third king of Italy, abdicated in favour of his son Umberto II, who became, albeit for only 24 days, Italy's fourth and final king.

All four kings belonged to the Royal House of Savoy, which was established in 1003. Its coat of arms can still be seen on buildings throughout the centre of Rome.

The coat of arms, which is made up of a cross surmounted by a crown, incorporates a tiny image of the Annunciation, a reference to the Ordine Supremo della Santissima Annunziata, an order of Knighthood originating in Savoy. The distinctive knots, which encircle the image, are known, unsurprisingly, as Savoy knots. A Savoy knot is often accompanied by the words Stringe Ma Non Costringe (It tightens, but does not constrain). 

To either side of the image of the Annunciation is the word FERT, an acronym of the motto of the House of Savoy. However, there seems to be a degree of controversy as to what the four letters actually stand for. Fortitudo Eius Rhodum Tenuit (By his strength he held Rhodes), Foedere et Religione Tenemur (We are bound by treaty and by religion), and Fides Est Regni Tutela (Faith is the protector of the Kingdom) are just some of the suggestions. 

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FERT: Motto of the House of Savoy