The Prince and Me: Unveiling a Tale of Royalty and Connection
One of the most enlightening discoveries from my research was discovering Prince Marino Caracciolo II. Don Marino descended from one of Naples’ oldest families – Caracciolo Rossi (dating back to 950 AD). Born in Atripalda on 9-6-1587 and dying 4-11-1630, his father was Don Camillo Count of Torella and Prince of Avellino; mother was Donna Roberta Carafa daughter of Don Marizio Duke of Maddaloni.
Don Marino held multiple titles during his relatively brief life: Prince of Avellino, Duke of Atripalda, Count of Serino and Marquis of Sanseverino. Additionally he served as Grand Chancellor to the Kingdom of Naples from 1617-1622 before being knighted of the Golden Fleece.
Don Marino married twice. First in 1612 he wed Donna Lucrezia Aldobrandini, daughter of Gianfrancesco Prince of Rossano; however they did not produce any children together. Later he wed my 8th Great Grandmother Donna Francesca D’Avalos D’Aquino D’Aragona daughter of Don Ingo D Prince Of Francavilla who bore no children with him either.
According to Alfred de Reumont’s book “Naples Under Spanish Dominion”, Prince Marino maintained an outstanding establishment. Like other people of his rank during that era, there was ample opportunity for military campaigns during Spain’s continuous conflicts; his palace in Naples (now Hotel Caracciolo) as well as his palazzo in Avellino were filled with musicians and poets throughout their stay there.
Don Marino died shortly after his son, born after his death, had wasted most of the inheritance and put the estate into debt. Unfortunately, when Don Marino died at San Giovanni a Carbonara convent – shortly after returning from visiting some of his possessions – his brother the Prince of Torella ordered that it be transported instead to San Paolo, with Theatine monks arriving late one night to collect Don’s body while St Augustin monks opposed their entrance; hundreds of swords were drawn over what became of Don Marino before it could finally arrive at Avellino to be laid to rest for burial.
One can only imagine what an incredible tale this would be if one could travel back through time and witness all this unfold first-hand. You decide for yourselves about family resemblance – I was 28 in this photo; most likely Prince Philip had approximately the same age when he took it.