Background
Ademarus Rufus, who died in 1049, held the title of Comes in southern Italy and Siggerio Ruffo became Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II's grand marshal of the Kingdom of Sicily in 1235. The family divided into two branches after the 14th century: the Ruffo di Calabria and the Ruffo di Scaletta, to the former of which the Queen belongs.Her siblings are:
- Maria Cristina Ruffo di Calabria (1920–2003)
- Laura Ruffo di Calabria(1921–1972)
- Fabrizio Ruffo di Calabria (6-12-1922 - 11-10-2005),
- Augusto Ruffo di Calabria (1925–1943), died during the sea battle of Pescara. His body was never found.
- Giovannella Ruffo di Calabria(1927–1941), died of food poisoning
- Antonello Ruffo di Calabria 1930
Queen Paola's brother, Don Fabrizio Ruffo di Calabria-Santipau (1922–2005), head of the entire family from 1975, was historical heir to the titles of Prince of Scilla, Prince of Palazzolo, Patrician of Naples, Duke of Guardia Lombarda, Count of Sinopoli, Marquis of Licodia Eubea, Count of Nicotera, Baron of Calanna and of Crispano.
Queen Paola is related to historically eminent Roman and southern Italian noble families, including the Colonna, Orsini, Pallavicini, Alliata and Rospigliosi. Among her distinguished ancestors of the French aristocracy were the Marquis de Lafayette, hero of American Independence, and the Dukes of Noailles.
Since the fall of the Italian monarchy in 1947 the Princes Ruffo di Calabria have become connected by marriage to such formerly reigning dynasties as the Orléans, the Savoys, the Bonapartes
Read more about this topic: Queen Paola Of Belgium
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