Constantine II was the last king of Greece, who ruled until the monarchy was abolished in 1973.
- Died: January 10, 2023 (Who else died on January 10?)
- Details of death: Died at a hospital in Athens of a stroke at the age of 82.
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End of the monarchy
Constantine spent several of his young years in exile in Africa, having fled Greece during World War II. His family was able to return in 1946. At the age of 20, Constantine won a gold medal in sailing at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. Upon the 1964 death of his father, King Paul I, he became king. In that same year, Constantine married Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark. His reign was marked by upheaval, and in 1967, a dictatorship was installed after a coup. Constantine was exiled to Rome, where he remained king until the monarchy was formally abolished with a 1974 vote. Though he still styled himself as King Constantine II for the rest of his life, the former king recognized the Hellenic Republic and didn’t fight to regain his crown. The family lived in London for many years before returning to Greece in 2013. Constantine was second cousin to Charles III, King of England, and godfather to William, Prince of Wales.
Notable quote
“If the Greek people decide that they want a republic, they are entitled to have that and should be left in peace to enjoy it.” —as quoted by Time
Tributes to Constantine II
Full obituary: CBS News
