Duce

Italian title, derived from the Latin word dux, and cognate with duke

Duce (/ˈd/ DOO-chay, Italian: [ˈduːtʃe]) is an Italian title, derived from the Latin word dux "leader", and a cognate of duke. National Fascist Party leader Benito Mussolini was identified by Fascists as Il Duce ("The Leader") of the movement since the birth of the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento in 1919. In 1925 it became a reference to the dictatorial position of Sua Eccellenza Benito Mussolini, Capo del Governo, Duce del Fascismo e Fondatore dell'Impero ("His Excellency Benito Mussolini, Head of Government, Leader of Fascism and Founder of the Empire").

Duce of Fascism
Duce del Fascismo
StyleHis Excellency (formal)
ResidencePalazzo Chigi
(1925–1929)
Palazzo Venezia
(1929–1943)
Villa Torlonia
(1925–1943)
AppointerGrand Council of Fascism
PrecursorBenito Mussolini (as Prime Minister)
Formation23 March 1919
First holderBenito Mussolini
Final holderBenito Mussolini
Abolished25 April 1945