The Greek royal family could not fulfill their wish that Constantine of Greece be given a state funeral. Although he was king of the Hellenes between 1964, the date he ascended the throne after the death of his father, and 1974, the year the monarchy was officially abolished in Greece after a referendum, the Greek executive considered that Constantine Glücksburg, as he was called in the country where he ruled to be given a private funeral. He was alleged to have had Danish rather than Greek citizenship, which happened when his Greek citizenship was revoked and he had to take refuge in his wife’s country of origin, Queen Ana Maria, who granted it to him in 1983.

Sons of Constantine the Greek after the death of their father

The sons of King Constantine left the Maximos Palace, the seat of the Prime Minister of Greece, without obtaining a state funeral for their father, but a number of concessions were made. The Greek government understood that he was a public figure of great importance and that foreign dignitaries would come to his farewell, so they undertook to guarantee the safety of those present. In addition, it was decided to send a representation in the person of the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, although Vice-President Panagiotis Picrammenos was later added, since he is the one who manages the Tatoi rehabilitation project.

It was also decided that the funeral would take place at 12:00 on Monday, January 16, 2022, at the Athens Cathedral, the site of the most important events for the Greek royal family. There is neither a funeral procession nor a large-scale public memorial chapel along the streets of Athens, but from 06:00 to 10:00 on the day of the funeral, the Church of St. Eleutherius is open, where the body of King Constantine is located before worship in the Athens Cathedral. Anyone who wants to pay their respects to the last king of the Hellenes can do so in a small temple located next to the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Kings Felipe and Letizia accompanied by honorary kings Juan Carlos and Sofia at the funeral of Isabella II.

At 12:00 pm on January 16, 2022, the funeral begins with just under 200 people in attendance. It is visited by the entire Greek royal family. The widow, Queen Ana Maria, accompanied by five children, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and granddaughters, and daughter-in-law, Princess Irene.

Together with them, members of the Spanish royal family confirmed their presence, who, thanks to their close relationship, confirmed their participation. The royal house announced the presence of Kings Felipe and Letizia, but Queen Sophia, the sister of Constantine the Greek, who arrived in Athens a few days before his death to say goodbye to the last king of the Hellenes, as well as King Juan Carlos, was also present, who flies from Abu Dhabi . Therefore, the image of the four kings seen at the funeral of Isabella II is repeated, yes, the State. The presence of the Infantes Helena and Christina is also expected, since they are the nieces of the deceased, but are not members of the Spanish royal family has not been officially confirmed.

Benedict of Denmark, Margaret of Denmark, Constantine and Anna Maria of Greece at the 70th birthday of Anna Maria of Greece

Other members of the royal family include Queen Margaret, Prince Frederik and Princess Benedict of Denmark. They were daughters-in-law and he was a nephew. Joaquin from Denmark is not present because his job as a defense attaché at the Danish embassy in Paris prevents him from traveling to Athens. Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit of Norway arrived from Norway, while King Carlos Gustavo and King Silvia represent Sweden.

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and Kings Willem-Alexander and Maxima of the Netherlands, as well as Princess Beatrix, complete the list of European royals who have confirmed their presence at the funeral. The mother of the King of the Netherlands had an event planned but canceled it without hesitation to say goodbye to a dear friend and hug her family. Other reigning royal houses have not officially confirmed their presence, but Prince William is expected to become the representative of the British royal house, not only because of his relationship as King Constantine’s third nephew or heir to the throne, but also as his godson. Although the presence of Carlos III is ruled out, Prince Edward or Princess Anne could be there.

Guillermo Alejandro and Maxima from the Netherlands, Beatrice from the Netherlands, Ana Maria from Greece and Pablo from Greece in honor of the Duke of Edinburgh

What is certain is that after the mass, the body of Constantine the Greek is transferred to Tatoi, where the cemetery of the Greek royal family is located. Although the former residence of the dynasty is undergoing renovations and its premises were damaged by fires in the summer of 2021, efforts are being made to tidy up the territory for the burial place of the last king of the Hellenes, who will rest forever. along with their ancestors.