Holding the rank of capitano di navio (captain), he served in World War I, commanding the scout cruiser Sparviero in 1917 and 1918,[1] and was decorated with a medal of honour for personal bravery.

[3] In the autumn of 1927 Mussolini despatched the Prince of Udine to Tangier, Morocco in command of a naval squadron of three warships to demonstrate Italy’s interest in the city.

In November 1930 he represented his cousin King Victor Emmanuel III at the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia.

Later on in his naval career Prince Ferdinando achieved the rank of admiral and become commander of the upper Adriatic Sea.

[6] The reign of the House of Savoy in Italy came to end on 12 June 1946 after a referendum was held and the Italian people voted to abolish the monarchy.