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The modern state Albania has twice been a monarchy. The first time was after it was declared independent in 1912, when it was briefly a principality. However, it was occupied during World War I and the Prince, William of Wied, was forced into exile. The confusing aftermath of the war ended with Albania being proclaimed a republic in 1924.
Secondly, the dictator Ahmed Bey Zogu proclaimed himself King of Albania on September 1, 1928 as Zog I. The Kingdom was tied more and more closely to Mussolini's Italy, until the latter occupied it on April 7, 1939. The King fled the country, and five days later, the Albanian parliament elected Victor Emmanuel III of Italy new King of Albania. He formally remained such until he abdicated in 1943. Zog I. was then reinstated as king (even though never returned to Albania) until the communist People's Republic was established in 1946.
During and after World War II, some Albanians worked for the return of King Zog; however, they were not successful. Nor were any of the two kings widely accepted as such by the international community.
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