In a historic step forward, members of Greece’s former royal family have applied for Greek citizenship and formally acknowledged the nation’s republican system of government, 50 years after the monarchy was abolished. The move signals a resolution to long-standing tensions over the family’s legal status and relationship with Greece.
A New Chapter in the Royal Family’s History
The application for citizenship, confirmed by Greek officials, comes decades after the late King Constantine II and his family were stripped of their Greek citizenship in 1994. The loss of citizenship followed disputes with the government over royal properties and Constantine’s refusal to renounce any claim to the Greek throne for his descendants.
The family has now applied under the surname “De Grece,” meaning “of Greece” in French—a choice that has stirred controversy. Critics, particularly from left-wing political parties, argue that the name blurs the line between the abolished monarchy and the current republican government.
“When they say they are giving up their titles and any future claims [to the throne], by opting for this family name they create confusion,” the Socialist party commented. Meanwhile, the left-wing Syriza party described the choice as “problematic,” emphasizing that Greek law does not recognize titles or noble ranks.
Who Is Seeking Citizenship?
Although officials have not named the applicants, Greek media widely reported that 10 family members have applied. This includes all five children of the late King Constantine II and former Queen Anne-Marie:
- Alexia: The eldest daughter, who is married to Carlos Morales Quintana, a Spanish architect.
- Pavlos: The eldest son and nominal head of the family, often referred to as the “Crown Prince” by monarchist circles.
- Nikolaos: A prominent public figure, married to Tatiana Blatnik.
- Theodora: An actress based in the United States, known for her roles in TV dramas.
- Philippos: The youngest child, married to Nina Flohr, a Swiss airline heiress.
In addition, five grandchildren of Constantine have reportedly applied. Among them are:
- Maria-Olympia, Pavlos’ eldest daughter, a socialite and model who splits her time between London and New York.
- Constantine-Alexios, Pavlos’ son, often highlighted in European royal circles.
Acknowledging Greece’s Republican Future
The family’s application process included signing a declaration formally recognizing Greece as a republic. Interior Ministry official Athanasios Balerpas hailed the development, saying:
“Let’s look to the future now. I think it’s a good moment because it closes an account from the past and we can now move forward as a people.”
The monarchy in Greece was officially abolished in December 1974 after a referendum in which voters overwhelmingly chose a republican constitution, following the fall of the military junta. Members of the royal family lived in exile for decades before King Constantine returned as a private citizen in the 2000s.
The family’s Greek citizenship was revoked during a legal battle over former royal estates, which are now state-owned. For years, the royals avoided adopting a surname, rejecting the name Glucksburg—a reference to their German ancestry—as imposed by Greek law.
Political and Social Reactions
While some legislators questioned the family’s choice of surname, there was little opposition to their right to reclaim citizenship. However, the Syriza party criticized the use of “De Grece,” arguing it sounded more like a title than a standard surname.
Others saw the move as a resolution of a long-standing issue. “A historically pending matter is being resolved,” Balerpas said. “The decision closes a chapter and allows us to focus on the future.”
The final step in the process will involve the publication of their citizenship status in the government gazette, allowing the family members to apply for Greek passports and identity cards.
A New Era for the Younger Generation
The younger members of the former royal family, including Maria-Olympia and Constantine-Alexios, represent a generation more distanced from the legacy of the Greek monarchy. Both have embraced international lifestyles, with Maria-Olympia building a career in fashion and Constantine-Alexios pursuing academic and artistic endeavors.
Their applications for Greek citizenship symbolize a step toward reconnecting with their ancestral homeland while respecting its current political structure. However, the ongoing debate about their chosen surname highlights lingering sensitivities surrounding Greece’s transition from monarchy to republic.
As Greece’s former royal family takes steps to integrate into the modern republic, their actions may mark the beginning of a reconciliatory chapter in the country’s history—one that bridges the divides of the past while looking toward a unified future.
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