The famous prince known for being the first ruler of unified Italy was Victor Emmanuel II. He became the King of Italy in 1861 after the successful unification efforts, known as the Risorgimento, which integrated various Italian states into a single nation. Victor Emmanuel II initially served as the King of Sardinia-Piedmont and played a significant role in the unification process, working closely with key figures like Count Camillo di Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi. His leadership symbolized the emergence of modern Italy, fostering national identity and governance.