The history of Italian kings primarily revolves around the monarchy of the Kingdom of Italy, which was established in 1861. The first king was Victor Emmanuel II, who played a crucial role in the unification of Italy. The monarchy lasted until 1946, when a referendum led to the establishment of the Italian Republic. During its existence, the Italian monarchy saw several kings, including Umberto I and Victor Emmanuel III. The monarchy faced challenges, such as political instability and the impact of both World Wars. Ultimately, the royal family was exiled, and Italy transitioned to a democratic government.