Greece is preparing to host several European royals who will be arriving to Athens for former King Constantine’s funeral on Monday. The government has also decided to upgrade its representation.
Among those who have confirmed attendance are:
- Felipe VI of Spain
- Juan Carlos, Honorary King of Spain
- Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg
- Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway
- Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden
- Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
- Queen Margrethe of Denmark
The UK will also most likely be represented by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, the youngest brother of King Charles. However, Greek officials have not ruled out that Prince William may show up, as the last Greek monarch was one of his godfathers.
Members of the former royal families of Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia are also expected.
Greece upgrades representation at Constantine’s funeral
The government in Greece announced on Wednesday that former King Constantine, who died on Tuesday, January 10th in Athens, will be buried as a private citizen at the former royal palace north of Athens.
The funeral service will take place in Athens’ Metropolis, and the burial will take place near the graves of Constantine’s ancestors at the former royal palace in Tatoi.
The conservative government rejected calls for a funeral with the honors of a head of state. It also rejected calls from the former royal family for the body to be placed on a popular pilgrimage.
Details for funeral arrangements were left up to Constantine’s family and the Church. It appears now his body will remain at the Metropolis for a few hours so that anyone who wants to pay their respects can do so.
Initially, it was announced that the government would be represented at the funeral by the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni. However, due to the growing number of European royals that are expected to arrive, it has been determined that representation will be upgraded with Deputy PM Panagiotis Pikrammenos.
The former Greek king, who was born on June 2, 1940 and passed away at the age of eighty-two, had been hospitalized several times in recent years. He relocated to Athens in 2021 to be closer to medical facilities.
Deposed by military rulers and spurned by his subjects, who voted to ditch the monarchy in 1974, Constantine was the only son of King Paul and Queen Frederica of Greece.
Related: New Museum for Former Greek Royal Family’s Vintage Cars
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