Princess Anne, representing the British royal family, was seen attending the funeral of King Constantine II of Greece, the country’s last monarch who faced exile in the 1960s.
Alongside other European royalty like Queen Letizia of Spain and King Philip, Princess Anne arrived in a solemn black coat with her husband Timothy Lawrence at Athens Metropolitan Cathedral to honor the late Greek king.
The couple received warm greetings from the public before entering the cathedral and embracing the monarch’s son.
Speculations arose regarding the British royal family’s attendance at the service, given King Constantine’s connection as Prince William’s godfather.
Despite initial reports hinting at the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Kensington Palace confirmed their absence.
Thousands of mourners had gathered outside the cathedral since early morning to bid farewell to Constantine, who passed away at 82 years old.
The Greek monarchy was officially abolished in a 1974 referendum, leading Constantine into decades of exile before his eventual return to Greece in later years.
His wife, Queen Anne Marie of Denmark, and their eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos, stood alongside various dignitaries and nearly 200 celebrities to pay their respects at the funeral.
Notable attendees included Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and King Juan Carlos of Spain.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams highlighted the historical ties between the British and Greek royal families, emphasizing Prince Philip’s lineage as a prince of Greece and Denmark.
King Constantine’s return to Greece in 2013 marked a significant moment, especially as it coincided with key events such as Queen Elizabeth II meeting Camilla Parker Bowles at his 60th birthday celebration.
King Constantine’s recent health struggles, which prevented him from attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, had raised concerns among well-wishers.
Despite his absence at the queen’s service, his connections with the British royal family remained strong, evident in Princess Anne’s presence at his funeral.
The close relationship between the British and Greek royals was further underscored by the shared history and familial bonds between the two lineages.
As the royal community bids farewell to King Constantine, the gathering of prominent figures from various European monarchies serves as a testament to the enduring connections and respect within royal circles.
The somber occasion in Athens united individuals from different backgrounds to honor the legacy of Greece’s last king, highlighting the significance of historical ties and shared experiences among royal families.
In conclusion, the funeral of King Constantine II of Greece not only symbolizes a moment of remembrance for a revered monarch but also reflects the intertwined histories and relationships that bind European royalty together.
The presence of Princess Anne and other dignitaries at the service underscores the enduring connections and mutual respect shared among royal families across borders and generations.