In an unexpected intersection of American law enforcement and European nobility, former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio was reportedly bestowed with the title of Duke of Cariati in a ceremony at his Fountain Hills, Arizona office on February 13, 2025. The title was presented by Michael Chan, who holds the title of Prince of Cariati, Italy, representing a branch of the historic House of Savoy.
The ceremony marks an unusual honor for the former sheriff, whose parents were both Italian immigrants to the United States. According to the information provided during the ceremony, the Order of the Crown of Cariati traces its lineage to the House of Savoy, which was established in 1003 and is recognized as Europe’s oldest surviving royal house. The order maintains connections to Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples, who is the son of Italy’s last king, Umberto II.
Upon receiving the title, Arpaio expressed gratitude for the recognition of his Italian heritage while affirming his American identity. “I am honored to receive this royal title from the country of my heritage, Italy,” Arpaio stated during the ceremony. “I will always be a proud American, but I will never forget where my family came from.”
The bestowal of this title represents a notable chapter in Arpaio’s life story, which began with his birth to Italian immigrant parents in Springfield, Massachusetts. Throughout his career in law enforcement, Arpaio has often referenced his Italian heritage and his parents’ journey to America in search of better opportunities.
The title of Duke of Cariati connects Arpaio to the historical region of Cariati, located in Calabria, southern Italy. The area has a rich history dating back to medieval times and was historically significant in Italian noble hierarchies. The modern Order of the Crown of Cariati, as presented during the ceremony, maintains these historical connections through its association with the House of Savoy’s lineage.
While noble titles in Italy no longer carry official governmental authority – the Italian monarchy having been abolished in 1946 – such honors continue to be bestowed by historical noble houses as recognition of heritage and perceived merit. These ceremonial titles represent historical tradition rather than contemporary political power.
The ceremony in Fountain Hills adds an unexpected dimension to Arpaio’s public profile. Best known for his controversial 24-year tenure as Maricopa County Sheriff from 1993 to 2016, Arpaio has now entered the realm of European noble tradition through this ceremonial title. The event highlights the enduring connections between American citizens and their ancestral European heritage, even generations after immigration.
The timing of this honor, coming years after Arpaio’s retirement from his role as sheriff, suggests an effort to recognize his Italian heritage rather than his law enforcement career. The ceremony emphasized family history and cultural connections, with particular focus on the immigrant journey of Arpaio’s parents from Italy to America.
This bestowal of a noble title to a former American law enforcement official illustrates the complex ways in which Old World traditions occasionally intersect with modern American life. While such titles may seem anachronistic in today’s world, they continue to serve as symbolic bridges between European heritage and American identity for many descendants of immigrants.
For Arpaio, who has long spoken of his parents’ Italian origins, the title of Duke of Cariati represents a formal recognition of his family’s heritage, even as he maintains his primary identity as an American. The ceremony serves as a reminder of the multigenerational impact of immigration and the enduring cultural connections that span continents and centuries.
