Adriana Abascal, a Mexican model, television presenter and luxury-brand entrepreneur, has emerged as the public partner of Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy as the prince has signalled the possibility of relaunching a political bid in Italy.
The relationship has been visible on social media and at fashion and public events in recent months, and Abascal — a former Miss Mexico who placed fifth at Miss Universe 1989 and who runs the luxury shoe label Maison Skorpios — would be a high-profile partner if Emanuele Filiberto were to mount a national campaign. The prince, heir to the former Italian royal House of Savoy, told the Italian newspaper Il Giornale this week, "never say never," when asked about returning to politics.
In an interview discussing a recent opinion poll, Emanuele Filiberto cited public recognition and said he was "pleased with what the study reveals." According to Gala France, a poll published Sept. 2 found about 90% of Italians are aware of the prince as a public figure, 44% view him favourably and roughly 15% believe he could change the country for the better. The prince founded the political movement Più Italia in 2020, and has previously voiced ambitions for high office, including a past statement expressing hope of reaching the top of Italian government.
Abascal, 54, and the prince, in his early 50s, have been photographed together in several European cities, including Seville, Monaco and Paris; they were reported to have been photographed kissing after a fashion event in Seville in January. The couple have also shared staged images from a July fashion shoot and holiday snaps from August that circulated on social media. Abascal divides her time between Paris and Los Angeles and maintains a substantial social-media following.
A long-time figure in international fashion, Abascal has appeared on covers of magazines including Elle, Vogue, Marie Claire and Vanity Fair and has walked for houses such as Chanel, Dior and Valentino. She has worked as a television host for Latin-American programs and launched Maison Skorpios, a luxury shoe brand whose pairs retail at premium prices. Abascal has been married three times and has three children with her second husband, Spanish businessman Juan Villalonga.
Emanuele Filiberto is the grandson of Umberto II, the last reigning king of Italy, which abolished the monarchy and became a republic in 1946. The Savoy family was barred from Italy for decades and allowed to return in 2002. Since resettling, the prince has worked as a public personality, including appearances on Italian television and winning the national dance contest Ballando con le Stelle in 2009. He has also pursued business interests, cultural work and philanthropy.
His public life has included controversy and personal disclosures. He has acknowledged struggles with drug addiction and said family support helped him recover. He has been open about past relationships and was reported to have separated from French actress Clotilde Courau — the mother of his two daughters, Vittoria and Luisa — several years ago. The prince has at times advocated for monarchist causes and has discussed the possibility of a royalist party aimed at a restoration of the monarchy, although such positions have attracted limited traction in mainstream Italian politics.
Political commentators note that recognition and celebrity do not necessarily translate into electoral success in Italy’s competitive party system, where established parties and shifting coalitions dominate. Still, the prince’s renewed public visibility and the visibility of a partner with a global fashion profile add a new dimension to his public image.
Abascal has in interviews described a fondness for Italy and Venice, saying she has spent considerable time there and that aspects of her shoe line are made in Italy. She told Spanish media that she enjoys the country's culture and has long been part of international fashion circuits that include Italian ateliers and shows.
Emanuele Filiberto said in the Il Giornale interview that he is currently involved in cultural and philanthropic activities and left open the possibility of future political engagement. Any formal decision to stand for office would require a party platform, campaign organisation and broader public support in a country where opinion polls and media attention are only one factor in electoral politics.
The couple’s public appearances and Abascal’s professional profile are likely to attract continued attention should the prince decide to pursue elected office, presenting a high-profile personal pairing at a moment when Italian politics remains closely watched in Europe.