The Last King of Greece: A Legacy of Change and Turmoil

King Constantine II of Greece was a second cousin of King Charles III and a godfather of the Prince of Wales. King Constantine and his family had lived in London for years, before returning to Greece. His wife was Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark, whom he married in 1964. They had five children together.

The story of the last king of Greece, King Constantine II, is one woven with threads of royal tradition, political upheaval, and personal strife. Born on June 2, 1940, he ascended the throne in 1964 at the young age of 23, following the death of his father, King Paul I. His reign would be marked by significant political and social turmoil, culminating in the abolition of the monarchy in Greece.

Early Years and Ascension to the Throne

Constantine was the first Greek king to be born in Greece since the reign of King Otto in the 19th century. His early life was influenced by the royal family’s exile during World War II and the subsequent German occupation of Greece. After the war, he pursued a military career, attending the Hellenic Military Academy and training abroad. His youth and charisma earned him a popular following, and his marriage to Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark in 1964 was celebrated as a fairy-tale union, enhancing his image as a modern monarch.

Reign of Political Turmoil

However, Constantine’s reign faced challenges from the outset. He inherited a deeply divided nation, grappling with political factions and a growing discontent with the monarchy. His efforts to navigate the political landscape included promoting democratic governance and seeking cooperation with various political leaders. Yet, his decisions, particularly during the political crises of 1965, led to a rift between him and the established political elite, culminating in the 1967 coup d'état led by the military.

The coup resulted in a military junta, which effectively sidelined Constantine. In a bold move, he attempted to reclaim his power by opposing the junta in December 1967, but the coup leaders were prepared, forcing him into exile. For several years, Constantine lived in Italy and other countries, striving to maintain the dignity of the monarchy while advocating for democracy in Greece.

The Fall of the Monarchy

The political landscape in Greece began to shift dramatically after the fall of the junta in 1974. The new government, led by Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis, initiated a transition to democracy and held a referendum that ultimately resulted in the abolition of the monarchy. In December 1974, the Greek people voted overwhelmingly to establish a republic, leading to Constantine’s official dethronement.

After his dethronement, Constantine lived abroad, primarily in London, and became increasingly detached from Greek politics. Despite his absence, he retained a sense of connection to Greece and often expressed his views on the nation’s political developments. He made occasional visits back to his homeland, but his relationship with the Greek people remained complex.

Legacy and Reflection

King Constantine II’s life reflects the turbulence of 20th-century Greece—a nation caught between tradition and modernity, monarchy and democracy. While some view him as a symbol of the past, others regard him as a figure who navigated a turbulent political landscape with conviction.

After years of exile, Constantine returned to Greece in 2002, where he was met with mixed reactions. His legacy, intertwined with the fate of the monarchy, continues to spark discussions about national identity, governance, and the role of tradition in contemporary society.

In 2023, Constantine passed away at the age of 82, marking the end of an era. His funeral was a poignant reminder of Greece’s royal history, attended by many who acknowledged both his contributions and controversies.

As Greece moves forward, the story of its last king serves as a reminder of a nation’s evolving identity—a reflection of its struggles and triumphs in the quest for democracy and unity.