ATHENS, Greece -- Members of Greece’s former royal family have expressed "deep emotion" following the government’s decision to reinstate their Greek citizenship, marking the end of a decades-long dispute over their legal status. The long-awaited announcement came after the royal family endured years of statelessness, having been stripped of their citizenship under the 1994 law, which many viewed as unjust.
Greece abolished the monarchy with overwhelming support during the 1974 referendum, and the former royals had not held citizenship since then. The decision to reinstate their status was published on Friday and affects ten members of the former royal family, including the five children and five grandchildren of the late King Constantine II and former Queen Anne-Marie.
According to their formal statement, "It is with deep emotion...holding the Greek citizenship again. The law of 1994 deprived us of our citizenship, rendering us stateless with all the individual rights and great emotional distress this entails." This statement, made available to the public, also emphasized the family’s respect for the 1974 referendum results. They highlighted their argument against the 1994 law, claiming it did not reflect the dignity of their family, which previously served as the head of state.
The Children of Constantine, who died last year, were granted citizenship: Alexia, 58; Pavlos, 56; Nikolaos, 54; Theodora, 40; and Philippos, 37, alongside their respective children from Pavlos: Maria-Olympia, 27; Constantine-Alexios, 25; Achileas-Andreas, 23; Odysseas-Kimon, 19; and Aristidis-Stavros, 15. Other family members, such as Anne-Marie, did not apply for citizenship.
The adoption of the surname De Grèce, derived from their uncle Michel, is deemed symbolic by the family as they never officially had one. Like their father, they fully recognized the change from monarchy to republic and are renouncing claims to royal titles and authority. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis stated, "After 50 years since democracy’s restoration, we have...laws...that apply without any footnotes or exceptions." This effectively ends one of the last unresolved issues from Greece’s tumultuous history with its former royal family.
The decision is seen as closing the chapter on the tensions between the former royals and the Greek state—remnants of which were reflected during the turbulent times following the dictatorship's end. The former King Constantine had lived more than 30 years outside Greece until his return as a private citizen, and his family frequently faced political scrutiny.
Crown Prince Pavlos highlighted the pain of statelessness, reflecting the family's dedication to serve Greece regardless of their legal status. The royal family's statement articulated, "During the years we were deprived of our citizenship, we lived with the duty and honor of serving our homeland with faith and devotion, wherever we happened to be. These same principles will continue to guide our family’s path.”
Symbolically, granting citizenship also requires Pavlos and his male children to fulfill military service obligations for Greece, which Pavlos has expressed willingness to honor. The gravity of their situation is underscored by Pavlos’ commitment to uphold the values of the country he was effectively barred from.
The story of the De Grèces is intertwined with Europe’s royal lineage, which adds layers to their recent declaration. Their familial connections extend to several royal families across the continent, including ties to Britain’s King Charles III and Spain's Emeritus Queen Sofia, highlighting the deep-rooted history of European dynasties.
Still, the process was not devoid of controversy. Some opposition voices criticized the choice of surname, asserting it resembles a title rather than being conventional. Yet there remains widespread consensus on their right to citizenship as part of moving toward unity and reconciliation, according to government officials.
The former royal family's long-standing history of avoiding surnames resurfaced as part of the narrative around their citizenship restoration, with the royal connection remaining prominent. The tensions are evident, particularly with former Queen Anne-Marie vehemently refusing to adopt any surname, remaining committed to her roots as part of the Danish royal family.
Despite the political and historical weight surrounding this moment, the royal family's efforts to return to their homeland effectively reshape their public perception and relationship with Greece. The recent wedding of Theodora, which saw participation from European royal families, marks their re-integration as active figures within Greece’s contemporary royal narrative.
The announcement of citizenship brings closure for this remarkable chapter within the family’s history and their complex ties to Greece. It suggests the possibility of new beginnings, as emphasized by government officials who said, "A historically pending matter is being resolved. 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 look forward as individuals and as people who share a common history and future." The family's emotional response signals both reconciliation and new responsibilities as they step back onto Greek soil as citizens once more.
