What if Victor Emmanuel became King of Spain in 1933 and Mussolini was removed?
Short answerA neutral Italian-Spanish dual monarchy could free British ships for the North Atlantic and Indian Ocean, while removing the Mediterranean wartime learning experience.
NotesThe scenario gives Victor Emmanuel the Spanish crown in 1933 and removes Mussolini, with Franco also assumed not to reach power. Italy would probably be the stronger partner in the resulting dual monarchy. If both countries stayed neutral, Britain could release much of its Mediterranean Fleet to watch German fast battleships in the North Atlantic and strengthen deterrence in the Indian Ocean. Britain would also miss the operational learning gained in the historical Mediterranean war. Neutrality therefore changes both force availability and experience.