The King Who Never Was, a three-episode docuseries on Netflix, delves into a tragic event that occurred in August 1978, leaving Europe in shock and shrouded in mystery. The incident took place on the island of Cavallo, France, where Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, the final heir to the Italian throne, was vacationing at his summer residence. On that fateful night, the prince grew enraged by a group of Italian party-goers who had anchored their boats near the shores of Cavallo. Believing them to be intruders, Victor Emmanuel took matters into his own hands and shot a young German tourist, Dirk Hamer, who was sleeping on one of the boats.
Directed by Beatrice Borromeo Casiraghi, who is married to Pierre Casiraghi of the Monaco royal family, The King Who Never Was reconstructs the events of that summer night through interviews with eyewitnesses. These individuals share their accounts of how the exiled prince became incensed when the party-goers used the dinghy from his yacht to dock on the mainland. Although Victor Emmanuel admits to firing his rifle, he claims it was a second gun that struck and killed 19-year-old Dirk Hamer, who succumbed to his injuries months later.
Despite facing murder charges, Victor Emmanuel was acquitted in November 1991 by the Paris Court of Assizes. He was, however, sentenced to only six months in prison for the illegal possession of a firearm used outside of his home. His defense argued that it could not be definitively proven that it was Victor Emmanuel’s rifle that fired the fatal shot.
Birgit Hamer, Dirk’s sister, tirelessly fought for justice and sought to uncover the truth behind her brother’s death. Devastated by the verdict, Birgit’s determination sparked a lengthy court battle. Casiraghi’s docuseries sheds light on her years-long effort, as well as the personal connection she has to the story.
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Casiraghi, who is also the founder of Astrea Films, shares that it took approximately two and a half years to complete The King Who Never Was. She explains that she felt compelled to revisit this story as part of her own personal journey toward closure. She believes that when the truth is withheld, damage continues to be done and justice remains elusive. In Casiraghi’s eyes, this story from the past continues to reverberate in the present, affecting not only her own life but also the lives of Birgit’s daughters, who are still entwined in its aftermath.
The filmmaker reveals that the process of creating the series unearthed many revelations. There had been significant confusion surrounding the case, even within her own family. Birgit herself discovered details that were previously unknown to her. Casiraghi believes that the defense strategy employed by Victor Emmanuel’s lawyers was intentionally designed to create confusion and delay, thereby prolonging the legal battle. The theory of a phantom shooter, the examination of the boats involved, and the ballistic evidence all contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the source of the fatal bullet.
While the series primarily focuses on Victor Emmanuel, it also highlights the role of Marina Doria, his wife. Although Doria never appears on camera, she plays a crucial part in the narrative. Casiraghi explains that the series features two female protagonists, Birgit Hamer and Marina Doria, who both wielded tenacity and determination in pursuit of their opposing goals.
Casiraghi commends Emanuele Filiberto, Victor Emmanuel and Marina Doria’s son, for his instrumental assistance throughout the project. His involvement facilitated communication between Casiraghi and his parents, creating an environment where dialogue, listening, and storytelling could flourish. Emanuele Filiberto also aided in retrieving personal materials, such as home movies shot in Super 8, which showcased moments from the family’s summer vacations.
Casiraghi reveals that she sent Emanuele Filiberto the completed series two days before its release, ensuring that he had time to form his own opinions before the media frenzy. Despite any discomfort or dissatisfaction he may have felt, he expressed appreciation for the balanced nature of the documentary.
With regard to the eyewitnesses, Casiraghi shares that they wholeheartedly supported Birgit’s pursuit of justice and provided their memories and materials for the series. Although it had been over 40 years since the incident, they graciously offered their perspectives for the first time.
In response to a question about social context and the potential impact on the case’s outcome, Casiraghi suggests that when there is an absence of state authority and a systemic failure, the difference is made by the determination and resources of those seeking justice. Unfortunately, in this situation, Birgit and Dirk were at a disadvantage due to their lack of social protection and means. Yet, in terms of resilience, Birgit remained steadfast throughout her entire life, constantly fighting for justice.
Casiraghi addresses her interview with her mother, Paola Marzotto, who was one of Birgit’s closest friends. Understanding the intimate and familiar nature of the story, Casiraghi asked Marco Ponti to conduct the interview. She recognized that it would be challenging for her mother to recount the events as if they were new. The resulting interview, with both Ponti and Casiraghi’s questions, proved to be a valuable and revealing conversation, demonstrating her mother’s deep attachment to the story.
When asked about her mother’s reaction to the documentary, Casiraghi expresses that her mother was pleased with the series. Finally, she discusses the interview with Victor Emmanuel, which took place at his chalet in Gstaad, Switzerland. Casiraghi provides insight into the behind-the-scenes details, including the presence of Emanuele Filiberto, who was often in the room and actively involved in the process.
In conclusion, The King Who Never Was is a thought-provoking docuseries that explores a tragic event from 1978 while shedding light on the ongoing pursuit of justice by Birgit Hamer. Casiraghi’s personal connection to the story, combined with her expertise as a journalist and filmmaker, ensures a balanced and thorough examination of the case. Through interviews with eyewitnesses and access to private materials, Casiraghi reveals a tale filled with mystery, legal battles, and the quest for closure.
