The Italian Senate has voted to end 56 years of royal exile - the first step in a long process that could eventually let the male heirs of Italy's last King return to their homeland.
Italy's postwar constitution bars male members of the House of Savoy from Italian soil as punishmentfor the monarchy's support of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
Easing the way for a favourable vote, Victor Emmanuel, aged 64, and Emmanuel Filiberto, 29 - the son and grandson of Italy's last King - pledged last weekend their loyalty to "the constitution of the republic and to our President".
Their return still depends on a vote in the Lower House and a second vote by both chambers.
