The Greek royal family, once at the helm of a nation, has experienced a fascinating journey marked by resilience, exile, and transformation. King Constantine II ascended the throne at the tender age of 23, following the death of his father in 1964. His wife, Queen Anne-Marie, hails from the Danish royal family as the youngest daughter of Frederik IX and Ingrid. She endeared herself to the Greek people by immersing herself in their language and culture. Despite their noble beginnings, the Greek royal family faced significant challenges, including forced exile during World War II and eventual abolition of the monarchy in 1973.
Following the tumultuous events of World War II, the Greek royal family was compelled to flee their homeland. Initially finding refuge in Egypt, they eventually settled in South Africa. It was in South Africa that Irene, the sister of King Constantine II, was born. Their eventual return to Greece in 1946 marked a significant moment in their history, as a referendum allowed them to reclaim their place in the nation. However, the family's time on the throne was not to last.
In 1973, King Constantine II's attempt to lead a coup against the ruling military junta resulted in the abolition of the monarchy. Despite these challenges, Queen Anne-Marie quickly captured the hearts of the Greek public with her genuine efforts to integrate into their society. Her dedication to learning the Greek language and history played an essential role in fostering a connection with the people.
The lineage of King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie includes their eldest child, Princess Alexia, who was heir presumptive to the Greek throne until her brother, Crown Prince Pavlos, was born in 1967. Crown Prince Pavlos pursued a career as an investment consultant and co-founded hedge fund Ortelius Advisors after completing his education and military service. His sister, Princess Theodora, was born in London due to her family's exile from Greece.
Prince Philippos, another child of King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie, was also born in London during their exile. He later graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in foreign relations. Meanwhile, Nikolaos, their third child, pursued education at Brown University in Rhode Island before starting a career with the Fox Television Network.
The next generation of the Greek royal family continues to make its mark on various fields. Constantine-Alexios, the second child of Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal, has ventured into modelling for renowned brands like Dior. Princess Maria Olympia, their first child and only daughter, along with Prince Achileas-Andreas, their third child, are also part of this vibrant lineage.
