King Umberto I's Royal tour of 1881

I would be greatly appreciative for any insight that might be provided on the image in my following post from 1881.  The image is a picture of a photocopied version of the original photo - hence the poor quality.  The original is in my possession and has been in my family's possession since 1881 when it was taken.  The back of the original has the exact date- but I can only make out the year (1881) with absolute certainty.  I am in the process of producing high quality digital images of the photo and will post here as soon as possible.

This photo is presumed to have been taken in Caltanissetta, Sicily during King Umberto's tour of 1881.  It is well referenced that King Umberto stopped in Caltanissetta during his '81 tour; "On April 8, 1878, the city was connected to a railway, ending the historical difficulties in reaching it. Three years later the king Umberto I visited Caltanissetta along with his wife Margherita of Savoy and his son Victor Emmanuel III."

Pictured in the photograph standing on the left is Salvator Melfa- Secretary of France.  Salvator came from an aristocratic family (not noted as noble since Petrus de Melfa, vicecome, Antioch) and lived in a grand estate at one of the highest points in Caltanissetta.  The remains of the estate still stand- and the street pays homage to the Melfa family: Via Melfa. 

To the right of Salvator (from the viewers' perspective), or to Salvator's immediate left, is King Umberto I.  I do not know, and would be greatly interested to find out, who the man seated on the right of the photo (viewers' perspective), to King Umberto's immediate left, is.  His close embrace with King Umberto suggests familial relations.  The same goes for the younger man in the back right of the picture (viewers' perspective) playing with his bow tie-  I can't imagine this to be the young Victor Emmanuel III- it simply doesn't look like him- although I have found few photos of Victor Emmanuel III from around 1880 for comparison.  Perhaps he was a son of Salvator's.

Any insight/comments/ would be met with great enthusiasm.  Any information regarding Salvator and/or his title of "Secretary of France" would make me quite indebted to the producer of such information.  At any rate- the photo is extremely rare and I believe it is the only photograph of King Umberto during his Royal tour of 1881. 

I apologize for the poor quality/size.  I will post any better images of the photo as they come.  Again- there is a much clearer version that will hopefully be posted within 2 weeks.  The image you are seeing is a camera photo of a photocopy of the original- so 3 times removed. 

Has anyone any thoughts on this photo?  Was it common for non family members to be touching the King?  Does this provide any insight into the closeness of the relationship? 

Exuse me- Salvatore's position, if not "Secretary of France", could have been: "Secretary of Finance"

I would be very thankful for any opinion at all on the picture.  I know most of you who have read this thread have far more knowledge around this picture than I, so please help!

Finally, digital images.  Perhaps this will entice comments...

Lighter...

I am not sure that man is the King of Italy.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Umberto_I_di_Savoia.jpg


Note that this photograph is from 1881, and there are few of Umberto from this period.  Most posted on this board are either from five years earlier or well later. 

Note the set back eyes, hairline, facial featuers closely.  Also please notice the nose.  Umberto had an absolutely one of a kind nose.  Is his informal dress what's leaving you with question?

[Actually that moustached man really has a resemblance to King Umberto, but that's not him. Even at the 1st glance I've seen differencies - nose, eyes, the whole expression.]

Actually that moustached man really has a resemblance to King Umberto, but that's not him. Even at the 1st glance I've seen differencies - nose, eyes, the whole expression.

Also isn't that strange the man at left take a liberty to put his arm on the "King"s shoulder? I've seen tons of the Royal pictures, a lot of unofficial ones and very rare even relatives take such a liberty!

Well I certainly appreciate that perspective.

We can be for certain that the man seated was in fact Royalty and a member of the House of Savoy.  SO why was this man allowing an embrace? 

Salvatore Melfa had maternal lineages to both Famiglia Maida and Famiglia Arena, but that's the only connection I can think of.  Perhaps it was a member of one of those lines?  Although I was under the impression that this military dress indicated Savoy.