At a grim moment for the Greek royal family and the European royal rank, unexpected browsing by Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark has left many in shock.
Known for his silent but distinguishing presence, his death at the age of 85 refers to the end of a significant chapter in the annals of royal history.
With ties to some of the most famous royal families in Europe, his life was one of intrigues, love, and loss. Although in recent years to a large extent beyond public eyes, its legacy has remained a key part of the Greek and European aristocracy.
Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark – Prince Philip, the first cousin of the Duke of Edinburgh – died at the age of 85. His death was confirmed in the hospital in the Greek capital Athens, with an announcement on Sunday. His funeral is scheduled to be held in the capital on Thursday.
Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark, the first cousin of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, died at the age of 85. His death was confirmed on Sunday, with the announcement that he died in a hospital in Athens, Greece. His funeral will be held in the capital on Thursday.
Prince Michael, known as a prominent writer and historian under the name Michel de Gres, was the last surviving grandson of King George I across the party of his mother’s family, he also had links to the Bourbon House.
Prince Michael became generally known for his marriage with Marina Karella in 1965, for which he gave up his claim to the Greek throne. Together they had a joyful family life with two daughters: Princess Olga of Savoy-Aost and Princess Alexandra of Greece.
The Prince was the only child of Prince Christopher and his second wife, Princess Francois of France. His father died at the age of only 51 years in 1940 after a short illness, and his mother died in 1953 and left him orphaned at the age of 14.
In 1967, during the Greek military coup, Prince Michael was the only member of the Greek royal family to remain in the country.
Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark will pass the end of the Greek Royal Family. As the last surviving grandson of King George I, his death closes the chapter in the history of the European Royal Rank.
Throughout his life he contributed significantly as a writer and historian, and at the same time left the heritage of love and devotion through his family. His decision to marry Marina Karella and give up his royal rights due to love defined a large part of his personal journey and his permanent presence in Greece at the time of political unrest strengthened her place in history. He will remember not only for his royal ties, but also for his rich cultural and family contributions.