The former Greek royal family is taking significant steps to restore their citizenship, formally acknowledging Greece's republican governance for the first time since the monarchy was abolished 50 years ago.
Members of the once-royal family, including the descendants of the late King Constantine II, have initiated this process by applying for Greek citizenship. Reported by The Guardian, the family has not only submitted their applications but also officially recognized the country's republican system of governance, signaling their intent to integrate fully with contemporary Greek society.
King Constantine II and his family lost their Greek citizenship back in 1994 amid disputes with the government concerning former royal properties and their renunciation of any claims to the throne. This significant loss came during what was seen as part of the broader narrative of the monarchy's downfall, which was set decisively when Greeks voted overwhelmingly for abolition during a referendum held just months after the end of military rule.
According to reports, all five of Constantine II's children—Alexia, Pavlos, Nikolaos, Theodoros, and Philipppos—along with five of his grandchildren, have jointly declared their acknowledgment of the republican state. They have also adopted the surname 'De Gres,' derived from French and meaning 'from Greece,' which symbolizes their commitment to their Greek identity.
This choice of surname has drawn some criticism from left-wing political factions, particularly the Socialist Party, which argued it could create confusion as the name might still carry connotations of royalty. "When they say they are renouncing their titles and any future claims, choosing this last name creates chaos," stated representatives of the party.
Athanassios Balapas, the representative of the Ministry of the Interior, provided some insight during his interview with state radio, emphasizing the historical significance of this decision. "Let’s look to the future. I think this is a good moment, as it closes the account with the past, and now we can look forward as a nation," he said, underscoring the importance of this symbolic act not only for the royal family but also for the fabric of contemporary Greek society.
The Greek monarchy was officially abolished after the 1974 referendum, with citizens voting for the republican constitution shortly after the collapse of the seven-year military dictatorship. Following this pivotal event, members of the royal family lived for decades in exile, with King Constantine II only returning as a private citizen at the age of 70, after communities had settled uneasily with the legacy of the monarchy.
Previously, the family had fought long legal battles concerning ownership of royal properties, which had become public assets following their departure from the monarchy. Though they eventually lost these disputes, the royal family has remained resilient, maintaining their aspirations of returning home and reconnecting with their heritage.
The decision to grant citizenship is expected to be published officially, allowing the family to apply for Greek passports and fully reintegrate within the nation. This marks a notable shift, not just for the former royal family, but also for broader societal attitudes toward history and heritage.
Now, as they seek to reclaim their place within Greek society, the family’s future role remains uncertain. Opinions across the political spectrum will likely evolve as citizens reassess their perceptions of monarchy, legacy, and national identity.
Despite some grumblings from the political left, the royal family's recent actions symbolize much more than the pursuit of citizenship; they also represent the intertwining of history with contemporary national identity, and how narratives of the past continue to shape the present.
For many Greeks, this development could signal potential reconciliations with the monarchy’s storied past, even as the country walks the delicate line between history and modern governance. Whatever the case, the restoration of citizenship for the Greek royal family certainly aims to restart conversations about heritage and belonging—a topic ever pertinent to national identity.
