Greece’s former royal family has formally regained Greek citizenship after decades of absence, marking the end of a long-standing dispute with the government. The momentous decision affects ten family members, including the children and grandchildren of King Constantine II, who passed away last year. The announcement has evoked strong emotions from the royals, who expressed gratitude and sense of belonging to Greece once more.
With the granting of citizenship, the royal family has adopted the surname “De Grece,” which translates to “of Greece” in French. They have done so explicitly stating they wish to maintain their connection to Greece, even as they renounce any claims to royal authority or titles. This renewed status brings closure after nearly 30 years of being regarded as stateless, as Greek officials stripped the royal family of their citizenship under the controversial law of 1994, amid political turmoil and public sentiment against the monarchy.
This significant decision follows the death of their patriarch, King Constantine II, who was the last reigning monarch before Greece abolished its monarchy almost half a century ago. It was during his reign, which began in 1964, when Greece faced political upheaval and eventual military rule, leading to the 1974 referendum where the public overwhelmingly favored the establishment of a republic.
According to reports, the former royal family applied for citizenship shortly after the death of King Constantine, considering it a pivotal moment as they welcomed the government's decision. They expressed, “It is with deep emotion, after thirty years, we hold Greek citizenship again. The law of 1994 deprived us of our citizenship, rendering us stateless with all…” They articulated feelings of joy and relief at regaining this important aspect of their identity.
While the family celebrated their citizenship, not all factions within Greece are pleased. Politicians from the left, most vocally represented by Nikos Androulakis of the progressive PASOK party, have voiced opposition to the royal family's decision to retain their noble-sounding surname. They argue the name symbolizes aristocracy, which they claim contradicts the constitutional framework of modern Greece, where nobility titles were outlawed following the monarchy’s abolition.
Androulakis stated, “The surname they have chosen proves they want to maintain a myth.” This criticism reflects broader concerns among some Greek citizens and political entities about the apparent privileges afforded to the former royal family compared to ordinary citizens seeking citizenship who often face lengthy bureaucratic hurdles.
Despite the political outcry, members of the royal family reassured the public of their dedication to Greece. They stated emphatically, “Our father and our family fully respected the result of the 1974 referendum,” referencing their acceptance of the Republic's decision. “During the years we were deprived of our citizenship, we were driven by the duty and honor of serving our country…”
Their statements highlight an eagerness to move forward, with the family pledging to continue being loyal to Greece and actively participating as citizens. The emotional weight of regaining citizenship is not lost on them, as it symbolizes more than just legal recognition—it reflects their historical and personal ties to the land they once ruled.
Lastly, the royal family's return to citizenship also serves as a moment of reflection on the changing nature of monarchy within Europe. Currently, only 12 royal families remain across the continent, each with varying degrees of influence and public sentiment. The re-establishment of the former Greek royal family within the framework of modern democracy poses interesting questions about the evolution of legacy and identity.
For now, the story of Greece’s royal family continues to intertwine with the nation’s contemporary narrative, as they navigate their place within the republic they once ruled. The granting of citizenship is less about the return of nobility and more about the rejuvenation of familial ties to the identity of the nation.
