La nipote di Giorgio Napolitano, Sofia, e Gianni Letta durante i funerali di Stato del presidente emerito alla Camera di Montecitorio, Roma, 26 settembre 2023,. ANSA
Sofia May Napolitano, 26, is a young woman who has recently gained national recognition after her speech at the funeral of Giorgio Napolitano. She shares details of her relationship with her grandfather, the former President, including a quote he told her in 2018, “I have no doubt about one thing, and that is your success and accomplishment in life. You must have confidence in yourself, at least as much as I do.” Sofia reveals that she practiced her speech in front of her parents multiple times before delivering it in the Chamber, and was comforted by the presence of her younger brother, Simone, at the ceremony.
She also talks about her grandfather’s interest in her studies and career aspirations, sharing how he would send her relevant articles and books without being pushy. Sofia chose to study Political Science, as politics had been important in their family, and later specialized in Law in England. She mentions her grandfather’s concern when she went to Bath alone for her studies.
Napolitano would frequently call Sofia to check on her and encourage her to have fun, even telling her to go to the theater. She recalls an occasion when he gave a speech at the Italian Society of the University and stopped to talk to the students. Sofia also remembers the time she met Queen Elizabeth in 2014, where she had lunch with her grandfather and the Queen, and Prince Philip advised her to reconsider studying politics.
Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Napolitano always made sure to give Sofia and her brother gifts and play games with them. He gave her a scooter when she was three years old and a real Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa train set for her brother. He even gifted them their first iPhones, an iPhone 3.
Sofia concludes by saying that they would always spend holidays and Sundays together as a family, playing bocce and card games.