On Saturday, 27 March 2026, in the splendid Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara, a place of extraordinary spirituality and deep historical tradition in the heart of Naples, a memorable evening dedicated to elegance, history, and solidarity took place. The Royal Circle Francesco II of Bourbon organized a charity gala entitled The Crown that Becomes Charity, featuring the exhibition of the Crown of King Charles of Bourbon. The funds raised during the event will be allocated to the Regalo Sospeso project of UNICEF Italy, in support of children hospitalized in pediatric hospitals in the Campania Region and of educational programs promoted by the organization worldwide. The crown, which once symbolized the Sovereign’s duty toward his people, returned to Naples on 27 March symbolically to protect its most vulnerable children.

The event—honoured by the presence of distinguished personalities from the institutional, cultural, and nobility worlds—was also attended by the Naples and Campania Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, which granted its patronage to the initiative, contributing to underlining its value and significance.

For such a meaningful occasion, dedicated to solidarity and care for those most in need, the Crown of King Charles of Bourbon symbolically returned to the city that was the cradle of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies—not as an expression of splendour nor a nostalgic recall of the past, but as a concrete gesture of generosity.

The Crown—an emblem of sovereignty, continuity, and responsibility—was displayed, for the first time, as an instrument of tangible charity: an unprecedented act, a unique initiative capable of elevating the symbol to its highest function. There are symbols that belong to History; and there are moments when History becomes Presence again, breathes, and calls us.

The Royal Circle Francesco II of Bourbon conceived the charity gala The Crown that Becomes Charity, a high-profile initiative with a noble and meaningful purpose, encouraged by its Honorary President, HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies and Grand Master of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, in order to recall how Tradition is not an immobile reality, but a living commitment renewed across generations.

The initiative draws inspiration from the figure of the last King of the Two Sicilies, the Servant of God Francis II of Bourbon, who never ceased to consider the crown not as a privilege but as service, remaining faithful to his values even in the most difficult moments. One might almost hear, in the folds of memory, a thought of his: “The crown weighs less on the head of the one who wears it than on the heart of the one who forgets the duty toward the weakest.”

Present with conviction at the evening of 27 March 2026, HRH the Duke of Calabria—long attentive to the needs of solidarity and the protection of the most vulnerable—recognized the high civic value of the initiative and the importance of UNICEF Italy’s mission, personally offering his support. His presence thus reaffirmed the deep bond between the Royal House of the Two Sicilies and the territory, reasserting a conception of nobility understood as constant service to the common good.

To welcome HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, in his capacity as Honorary President of the Royal Circle Francesco II of Bourbon, were the President of the Royal Circle, Dr. Paolo Rivelli, Knight of Jure Sanguinis in the Constantinian Order, and the Delegate for Naples and Campania of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, Count Don Gianluigi Gaetani dell’Aquila d’Aragona dei Duchi di Laurenzana (of the Dukes of Laurenzana), Neapolitan Patrician, Knight of Justice, together with the Acting Secretary General, Nob. Antonio Masselli, Knight of Jure Sanguinis; the Acting Head of Communications, Prof. Antonio De Stefano, Knight of Merit with Silver Star; and the Acting Head of Operational Activities, Avv. Valeria Pessetti, Dame of Merit with Silver Star, accompanied by her husband, Avv. Carmine Capasso, Knight of Merit, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka.

Also present was Noble Dr. Vincenzo Palazzo Bloise, Delegate for Malta of the Royal Circle Francesco II of Bourbon, together with the honorary members Dr. Rossella Paci and Dr. Ivana Legname, bearing witness to the strong international and Mediterranean dimension of the initiative.

Also in attendance were HSH Don Maurizio Ferrante Gonzaga, Prince of the Holy Roman Empire, Marquess of Vescovato, Marquess of Vodice, Count of Villanova and Cassolnovo, Head of the House of Gonzaga of Mantua, Knight of the Royal and Illustrious Order of San Gennaro, Constantinian Knight Grand Cross of Justice and Councillor of the Royal Deputation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George; the Honorary Delegate for Campania of the Royal Circle, H.E. Don Riccardo Carafa, Duke of Andria, Duke of Castel del Monte, Marquess of Corato, Count of Ruvo, Neapolitan Patrician, Vice President of the Deputation of the Royal Chapel of the Treasury of San Gennaro, Constantinian Knight Grand Cross of Justice; the Delegate and the Secretary for Campania of the Royal Circle, Nob. Alfredo Buoninconti, Baron of Santa Maria Jacobi, Constantinian Knight of Justice, and Nicola Di Frenna, Knight of Office.

Among those present were also Nob. Dr. Paolo Carelli Palombi dei Marchesi di Raiano (of the Marquesses of Raiano), Knight of Justice; the brother-in-law of HRH the Duke of Calabria and husband of HRH Princess Inès of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Noble Dr. Michele Carelli Palombi dei Marchesi di Raiano (of the Marquesses of Raiano), Knight Grand Cross of Justice, Councillor of the Delegation of Rome and Vatican City; H.E. Javier Triana Jimenez, Consul of Spain in Naples; Prince Alduino di Ventimiglia di Monteforte Lascaris; Marchioness Donna Irene Cedronio di Rocca d’Evandro; Countess Ludovica Zammitti Fogaccia, with her son Giulio; film director Stella Leonetti dei Conti di Santojanni (of the Counts of Santojanni); Dr. Nicola Graziano, President of UNICEF Italy; representatives of Candriam, which actively supports oncological research, and of Rothschild & Co, whose foundations manage or support significant healthcare institutions; figures from culture and entrepreneurship; and guests arriving also from abroad, particularly from the United Kingdom and Malta.

All were united in the spirit of solidarity and in a shared commitment to caring for those most in need.

Particularly noteworthy was the presence of many young people, who participated enthusiastically in the initiative, demonstrating that they had grasped the value and appeal of history and traditions as a source of civic commitment and solidarity.

The evening began at 7:30 p.m. with a welcome cocktail, institutional greetings, presentation of the UNICEF project, and the unveiling of the Crown of King Charles of Bourbon.

HRH the Duke of Calabria then delivered a speech in which he emphasized the historic bond between Naples and his Royal Family, recalling that within the tradition of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies the crown represents above all the duty to serve the common good and care for the most vulnerable, particularly children.  The text of his remarks is given below.

The evening, marked by strong participation, was enriched by interludes of Baroque music and Neapolitan tradition performed by the Ensemble San Giovanni, directed by Maestro Keith Goodman, with soprano Paola Francesca Natale and violinist Sergio Carnevale, offering moments of deep artistic emotion.

During the event, the Delegate for Naples and Campania of the Order presented a diploma of merit to the President of the Royal Circle Francesco II of Bourbon, Dr. Paolo Rivelli, in recognition of his support and contribution during the Christmas Concert held on 21 December 2025 at the Basilica of San Giovanni Maggiore in Naples, aimed at supporting families in difficulty assisted by the parish Caritas.

The evening concluded with a gala dinner featuring traditional Neapolitan specialties, celebrating a gathering in which culture, solidarity, and shared values came together in a meaningful way.

A Meeting Between Solidarity and Culture in the Spirit of Social Responsibility

The charity gala offered a convincing example of how history, art, and social solidarity can unite to build a better future. Not only a fundraising event, but a true cultural manifesto—symbolically uniting history, civic commitment, and a new vision of wealth as a tool for social impact.

As explained by President Paolo Rivelli, the meaning of the gala extends beyond the initiative itself, fitting into an increasingly relevant debate about the relationship between wealth and responsibility. Contemporary societies increasingly recognize that capital should not be seen solely as a means of accumulation, but also as a resource oriented toward the collective good.

This reflection has deep roots in Western thought: Alexis de Tocqueville emphasized the role of civic associations in democratic vitality; Max Weber underlined the importance of work ethic and individual responsibility; Andrew Carnegie argued that those who possess great wealth have a moral duty to return it to society. During the Renaissance, families such as the Medici demonstrated how economic success could translate into cultural and social development.

Today this tradition is renewed through the paradigm of philanthropic leadership, in which entrepreneurs and investors increasingly interpret capital as a lever for generating social impact. Philanthropy thus becomes a form of civic leadership capable of mobilizing resources to address global challenges such as education, health care, and child protection.

The charity gala at Santa Chiara embodied this vision—transforming memory into hope and heritage into a concrete instrument for the common good.

The Speech of HRH the Duke of Calabria

HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies delivered a speech, the full text of which is reproduced below, first in Italian and subsequently in his mother tongue, Spanish. In his address he emphasized the deep historical bond between Naples and his Royal Family. He recalled how, in the tradition of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, the crown above all represents the duty to serve the common good and to care for the most vulnerable, highlighting the value of solidarity toward children and the younger generations:

“Dear friends,
It is a true honour for me to be with you this evening in a place so rich in history, spirituality, and meaning as the monumental complex of Santa Chiara.
I extend my warmest congratulations for having promoted this initiative, which harmoniously unites history, culture, and solidarity. My thanks also go to the delegates present from abroad, as well as to all members and supporters who, with enthusiasm and commitment, have contributed to the realization of this evening.

I wish to express special recognition to Professor Ciro Paolillo, whose dedication made possible the creation of the crown of Charles of Bourbon that we admire today. It represents not only a work of great artistic and historical value, but also a symbol of the duty to serve the common good and to protect the most vulnerable.

In the tradition of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, authority has never been understood as a privilege, but rather as a moral responsibility.

I am particularly pleased that this initiative is dedicated to UNICEF and to children, especially young patients. Children represent our future and our greatest responsibility.

When culture, solidarity, and civic commitment meet, a community is born that is capable of transforming memory into hope for the new generations.

Finally, I wish to recall with emotion the figure of Francis II, whose spirit of service continues to be a source of inspiration.

I thank you for your presence and for your support of this noble cause.

May this crown be a sign of hope for many children.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara

The Monumental Complex of Santa Chiara, founded in the fourteenth century by King Robert of Anjou and Queen Sancia of Majorca as a Franciscan citadel for the Poor Clares and Friars Minor, has for centuries been a tangible symbol of faith, contemplation, and collective memory.

Within this majestic Gothic setting are the tombs of the Sovereigns of the Bourbon dynasty, including Ferdinand I and Francis II, preserved in the Royal Chapel, making the Royal Basilica of Santa Chiara a place of profound commemoration for a dynasty that united power with moral responsibility.

The presence of the Crown of King Charles of Bourbon in this place—where history, faith, and memory intertwine—gave the event a powerful symbolic value: not merely a historical testimony, but an emblem of nobility understood as spiritual and civic service.

Thus, the charity gala The Crown that Becomes Charity became a moment uniting centuries of memory with contemporary commitment to the common good, celebrating continuity of spiritual values and the testimony of a dynasty whose members rest in peace at Santa Chiara.

 

The Two Days of HRH the Duke of Calabria in Naples Between Historical Memory, Solidarity, and Tradition

Friday, 27 March 2026
Meeting of the Board of the Royal Circle Francesco II of Bourbon in Posillipo and Charity Gala at Santa Chiara

Meeting in Posillipo
Before the charity gala at Santa Chiara, in the afternoon of 27 March 2026, HRH Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, Count of Caserta, Head of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies, took part in a meeting of the Board of the Royal Circle Francesco II of Bourbon at Villa Grottamarina in Posillipo, as guests of Donna Oriana Platania Rivelli and Founding Member Nob. Dr. Mario Rivelli. The meeting, preceded by a welcome coffee and a visit to the historic villa—one of the most evocative historic residences of Posillipo, built in the seventeenth century on the site where the palace of the Prince of Colobrano once stood—continued with the presentation of future programs and activities of the Royal Circle, concluding with remarks and reflections by HRH Prince Pedro.

Saturday, 28 March 2026
Tribute to the Royal Tombs at Santa Chiara, Visit to the Tomb of Father Dolindo, and the Spanish Quarters

On the morning of 28 March 2026, H.R.H. Prince Pedro of Bourbon-Two Sicilies—accompanied by a representation of the Royal Circle Francesco II of Bourbon, led by President Dr. Paolo Rivelli, Knight of Jure Sanguinis of the Constantinian Order; the Delegate for Campania, Nob. Alfredo Buoninconti, Baron of Santa Maria Jacobi, Knight of Justice; Secretary Nicola Difrenna, Knight of Office; and the Delegate for Malta, Nob. Dr. Vincenzo Boise Palazzo—laid a floral tribute at the Royal Tombs of the Royal House of the Two Sicilies in the Basilica of Santa Chiara, gathering in prayer at the tombs of his ancestors. He also paused in recollection at the foot of the altar dedicated to Blessed Maria Cristina of Savoy, Queen of the Two Sicilies and mother of the Servant of God Francis II of Bourbon, last King of the Two Sicilies.

Following this, HRH Prince Pedro visited the Parish of San Giuseppe dei Vecchi and Immacolata di Lourdes, where the tomb of the Servant of God Father Dolindo Ruotolo, known as the “priest of miracles,” is located. A place of great pilgrimage and devotion, the tomb of Father Dolindo is linked to the tradition of prayer and the symbolic gesture of knocking three times on the tombstone, entrusting one’s intentions to his intercession. HRH. Prince Pedro, himself devoted to the Neapolitan priest, knelt before the tomb and performed the ritual of the three knocks, then remaining in a moment of silent prayer.

Subsequently, HRH Prince Pedro went to the Spanish Quarter, accompanied by Raffaele Esposito Piscitelli, President of the Association Quartieri Spagnoli 1536.

The visit to the Spanish Quarter began with a moment of prayer at the church of Santa Maria della Mercede a Montecalvario, where HRH Prince Pedro met the Mercedarian Fathers, to whom he is particularly devoted.

The group then proceeded toward the famous mural of Diego Armando Maradona in a square off Via Emanuele de Deo, number 60, where they were welcomed by Antonio Esposito “Bostik,” a symbolic figure of the Spanish Quarters.

A guided visit followed, accompanied by Sister Tiziana of the Franciscan Alcantarine Order, to the Sanctuary House of Saint Maria Francesca of the Five Wounds in Vico Tre Re a Toledo, a place of deep popular devotion.

The morning concluded with a convivial stop at the Pizzoteca, where HRH Prince Pedro sampled some of the most iconic pizzas of the Neapolitan tradition and of the Spanish Quarter.

Heartfelt thanks were extended to the Mercedarian Fathers, to Antonio Esposito “Bostik,” and to the Sisters of Saint Maria Francesca of the Franciscan Alcantarine Order for their warm welcome. Particular gratitude was also expressed to the representatives of the Royal Circle for making the visit possible and for offering HRH Prince Pedro the opportunity to experience the authentic soul of the Spanish Quarter.