 On 5 June 1944, Victor Emmanuel formally gave up his powers to Umberto, finally recognizing his son as Lieutenant General of the Realm.After the liberation of Rome, Umberto received a warm welcome from ordinary people when he returned to the Eternal City.Mack Smith cautioned that the friendly reception that Umberto received in Rome may have been due to him being a symbol of normalcy after the harsh German occupation as opposed to genuine affection for the prince.