Napoleon had been nominal president of the Italian Republic since 1802. Following his consecration as Emperor in 1804, he has himself proclaimed king of Italy in March 1805 and crowned in Milan in May.
Citation:
Editors. "Napoleon proclaimed King of Italy".
The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 February 2010
[http://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=4383, accessed 22 May 2013.]