King Konstantin II The Last King of Greece Date of Birth: 02.06.1940 Country: Greece

1. Biography of King Constantine II of Greece
2. Reign and Political Challenges
3. End of Monarchy and Establishment of Greek Republic
4. Life and Activities Afterwards

Biography of King Constantine II of Greece

King Constantine II of Greece, the son of Paul I and Frederica of Hanover, was the last reigning monarch of Greece from 1964 to 1973. He belonged to the Glücksburg dynasty and was the last Orthodox monarch in history. As a descendant of Danish King Christian IX, he held the title of Prince of Denmark. Constantine II attended the prestigious Anavryta College and studied law at the University of Athens. He furthered his education at military academies in Greece from 1956 to 1958 and in the United States from 1958 to 1959.

Reign and Political Challenges

Constantine II ascended to the throne on March 6, 1964, following the death of his father, Paul I. Unlike his father, he struggled with his political functions, leading to several governmental crises. He advocated for the expansion of the king's prerogatives, which caused conflict with Prime Minister George Papandreou. In 1967, a military junta known as the "Black Colonels" seized power. In December of the same year, Constantine made an unsuccessful attempt to oppose them and called for a rebellion via radio broadcast on December 13. Following the failed uprising, he left the country and resided in Rome.

End of Monarchy and Establishment of Greek Republic

In 1973, the military junta abolished the monarchy and established a republic after a referendum. However, the vote took place under a dictatorial regime and could not be considered free. Therefore, after the dictatorship was overthrown in 1974, the democratic government conducted a second referendum in December of the same year, which confirmed the people's will not to restore the monarchy. Constantine, who had left the country, did not acknowledge this referendum and never formally abdicated the throne. Nevertheless, the Glücksburg monarchy ceased to exist, and the Hellenic Republic was established. In Greece, he is referred to as the "former king" (Greek: πρώην βασιλιάς). He is not prohibited from entering the country and has visited Greece multiple times after losing power.

Life and Activities Afterwards

Constantine II currently resides in London with his family. He was an Olympic champion in sailing, winning the gold medal in the Dragon class in 1960. From 1963 to 1974, he was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He served as a member of the IOC Commission for the International Olympic Academy from 1967 to 1973. Since 1974, he has been an honorary member of the IOC. On September 18, 1964, he married Princess Anne-Marie, the daughter of King Frederick IX of Denmark. They have five children: Alexia (born 1965), Pavlos (born 1967), Nikolaos (born 1969), Theodora (born 1983), and Philippos (born 1986). Through his father, Paul I, Constantine II belongs to the Danish Glücksburg dynasty. He is also the great-grandson of Grand Duchess Olga Constantinovna and the great-great-grandson of Grand Duke Constantine Nikolaevich. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom's spouse, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, is Constantine's first cousin, and Charles, Prince of Wales, is his second cousin. Queen Sofia of Spain, wife of Juan Carlos I, is Constantine's sister. He is married to Danish Princess Anne-Marie, the younger sister of Denmark's reigning Queen Margrethe II.