King of Italy from 29 July 1900 until his abdication on 9 May 1946. In addition, he claimed the thrones of Ethiopia and Albania as Emperor of Ethiopia (1936–1941) and King of the Albanians (1939–1943), claims not recognised by all the great powers. During his long reign (nearly 46 years), which began after the assassination of his father Umberto I, the Kingdom of Italy became involved in two World Wars. His reign also encompassed the birth, rise, and fall of Italian Fascism.
In 1896 he married princess Elena of Montenegro (1873–1952), daughter of Nicholas I, King of Montenegro. They had five children.
Vittorio Emanuele (English: Victor Emmanuel) abdicated his throne in 1946 in favour of his son Umberto II, hoping to strengthen support for the monarchy against an ultimately successful referendum to abolish it. He then went in exile to Alexandria, Egypt, where he died on 28 December 1947, aged 78, and was buried the following year.
He was called by the Italians Il Re soldato (The Soldier King) for having led his country during both the world wars (and for Savoy’s historical affinity with the battlefield, where the dynasty built much of its power), and, after Italy’s victory in the First World War Il Re vittorioso (The Victorious King)[citation needed]. He was also nicknamed Sciaboletta (“little saber”) due to his height of 1.53 m (5 ft 0 in).

Link to Wikipedia biography