The position of the Royal Family and attitudes to restoration

[victoria_89]

I've looked at a couple of the posts and i'm not exactly sure about what the greek royals postition is ? Are they not involved in Greece ? Do they bassically have no power or anything ?

thanks

 

[Sean.~]

I've looked at a couple of the posts and i'm not exactly sure about what the greek royals postition is ? Are they not involved in Greece ? Do they bassically have no power or anything ?

thanks

They're not officially involved. The ex-King was banned from Greece for years, until the new EU laws came into effect. He took the government to court a couple of years ago for restitution, which didn't exactly endear him to the powers-that-be. He's involved insofar as that he was/is supported by rich Greek shipping families (many, if not all of them,London based, who prospered during the monarchy).

Many within (and ex-pats as well) still harbour strong feelings against him, and the chances of a restoration are nil. Greece is doing well enough without without the monarchy and the monarchy had a very rough ride while it was in existence due to poor leadership and decisions.

Of course, proponents will disagree, but historical facts tend to bear this out. I think I posted on this in detail a year or two ago on this forum. For what it's worth, from what I know Nikolai is well thought of, as is Anne Marie.

 

[grecka]

The royal family still has some influence in Greece. I'd say maybe around 5% of the entire population is monarchist and I believe a considerable percentage of the population has respect for King Constantine. That said, Greece has moved on in the thiry-five or so years since the overthrow of the monarchy, and I tend to agree with sean that the chance of the restoration of the Greek monarchy to power is miniscule.

 

[Sean.~]

The royal family still has some influence in Greece. I'd say maybe around 5% of the entire population is monarchist and I believe a considerable percentage of the population has respect for King Constantine. That said, Greece has moved on in the thiry-five or so years since the overthrow of the monarchy, and I tend to agree with sean that the chance of the restoration of the Greek monarchy to power is miniscule.

Hi Grecka!!

From what I know, quit a bit of whatever respect he had (not a lot from what I gather, as he was/is viewed by many as a weak ruler who made poor decisions and was too influenced by his mother) was lost by the whole trial imbroglio (and personally, I don't blame them, but that's my position ). The verdict, although not entirely in Constnatine's favour, did not go down well with the government, and they launched their anti-Constantine 'campaign'.

I read influence as having actual power over policy, whether directly or indirectly, rather than general support for the monarchy as an institution. However, perhaps that's not what the original poster meant, and thus I may have erred.

 

[suturegeisha]

I tend to wonder about this a lot too.....what's the point?

Thank you for your post, Sean- very informative and enlightening!

 

[branchg]

The royal family still has some influence in Greece. I'd say maybe around 5% of the entire population is monarchist and I believe a considerable percentage of the population has respect for King Constantine. That said, Greece has moved on in the thiry-five or so years since the overthrow of the monarchy, and I tend to agree with sean that the chance of the restoration of the Greek monarchy to power is miniscule.

The royal family's influence in Greece is zero and King Constantine is disdained by the majority of the Greek people. The monarchy's history in Greece is not an honorable one and is associated by many with the country's military dictatorship, which executed thousands of people, jailed many political figures and tortured opponents.

The Greeks never really accepted their royal family, which was imposed on them by the Great Powers of France, Russia and the UK in the 1860's, and was imported from Denmark. The Balkan Wars, World War I and World War II greatly weakened successive governments, bankrupted the nation and resulted in numerous periods of exile for the dynasty, who never demonstrated any talent for constitutional monarchy.

King Constantine's parents, King Paul and Queen Frederika were not very popular, particularly the Queen who constantly interfered with politics and manipulated the colonels in the military. By the late 1960's, the U.S. was secretly plotting a coup of the socialist government with the military to secure Greece as a NATO ally. Constantine overestimated his position as king, encouraged by Queen Frederika, and overplayed his hand with the military dictatorship. He was exiled and forced to leave with his family.

Since then, he has been supported mainly by the British and Danish royal families in addition to "gifts" from the corrupt Greek industrialists. The U.S. and the UK have tolerated him living in London over the years, but just barely. Neither of his sons, Pavlos or Nicholas, are taken seriously in Greece and there is no chance of a restoration of the throne.

EU politics allows the family to visit the country now, but they will never be allowed to settle there by the government.

 

[Sean.~]

Bingo! Thank you, you nailed it on the head. I guess I was trying to be more tactful. The last time I was blunt about Tino (and especially is predecessors) and the situation, I garnered some not so very nice fan mail...hehehehe.

 

[susan alicia]

in everything except: " The U.S. and the UK have tolerated him living in London over the years, but just barely. "

that is silly, as long as they remain within the law they must be welcome.

Bingo! Thank you, you nailed it on the head. I guess I was trying to be more tactful. The last time I was blunt about Tino (and especially is predecessors) and the situation, I garnered some not so very nice fan mail...hehehehe.

 

[Sean.~]

in everything except: " The U.S. and the UK have tolerated him living in London over the years, but just barely. "

that is silly, as long as they remain within the law they must be welcome.

Not really. Many countries don't take exiled political leaders for a myriad of reasons, and some only do so reluctantly. It can be politically embarassing. Indeed, he was so persona-non-grata for a while that he couldn't even attend the wedding of his sister-in-law in Denmark because it was felt that his presence would raise the ire of the Danes.

A lot of Greeks who immigrated abroad to UK and US during his parents' appalling tenure don't like him (his mother was literally chased down the streets of London by ex-pats -- she labelled the as socialists -- and had to take refuge in a private house). His illusions of grandeur , poor record of the monarchy, and did his alleged business dealings in the 70s didn't/don't help much. The Greek government has complained to Downing Street regarding him often.

 

[Sean.~]

Since then, he has been supported mainly by the British and Danish royal families in addition to "gifts" from the corrupt Greek industrialists.

Speaking of corrupt, you can't leave out the former Shah of Iran. It is well known that he helped support Tino while he (the Shah) was in power. And we all know the rumours about Constantine and the Empress (I have it on very good authority that there was something there, around the time of Persopolis).

 

[Sean.~]

I tend to wonder about this a lot too.....what's the point?

Thank you for your post, Sean- very informative and enlightening!

You're Welcome! I think branchg was bit more detailed in his reply, though (I was trying to tread carefully).

Love your avtar, by the way.

 

[Warren]

We do now!

And we all know the rumours about Constantine and the Empress.

Well Sean, I didn't know, until you mentioned it!


W

 

[Sean.~]

Well Sean, I didn't know, until you mentioned it!


W

It's been discussed here in the past, I'm sure, and on the other boards. IIRC, it's also been published and, of course, much discussed in 'society'.

 

[Splodger]

Just to really upset things - Whilst being in Greece I have learnt a few interesting things about Greeks attitudes towards Constantine the man, the Monarchy and the Republic.

The King indeed has no involvement in Greek politics, and there is at the moment and foreseable future zero chance of a restoration of the monarchy. However the King is involved privatley in funding welfair issues through the Anna Marie Foundation and in giving the Government endless headaches. He comes and goes quite frequently now and there hasn't been a great deal in the news about his recent visit for the christening of his grandson. However one can only imagine the headache to the government when he turns up with his sister Sophia and other royals who the establishment can hardley cause a fuss over without insulting their respective countries.

Discussing the monarchy in Greece is an interesting activity to observe. When ever the subject is raised, people go quiet... they then look around to see if anyone is nearby... they then lean over and talk very quietly so as not to be over heard about how they like the king and how he is very popular but it isnt something you talk about beacuse the government doesnt like it.

The younger generation have only ever known the Republic and don't really see what the fuss is about. They generaly dont think much of the Government or the Presidents... they see the Presidents as old and out of touch, however restoring the monarchy is not high on their lists of fun things to do in an evening and really dont see what the problem is with letting Constantine live in Greece. The older generations tend to be more romantic about the king. Some do genuinly dislike the monarchy and Constantine, but others still like him very much, but again dont see the point in abolishing the republic and restoring the monarchy for the sake of it.

Republican propiganda is evident in peoples opionions on the matter. Even those who really like the King dont want the monarchy's restoration beacuse they beleive he will cost them money. Of course a change in regime would be unneccesserily expensive, however the fact that Constantine wanted Tatoi and not compensation, the fact the comensation is being used for public good and that a Head of State has the same expenses in State function whether a King or a President in office (although Presidential Election costs would be eliminated) is neither generaly known or considered (as is the case under any monarchy).

All said and given, relations between the current government and Constantine is much more amicable than with previous governments, although this is partly due to the fact that Karamanlis' supporters feature a large proportion of monarchists. Whereas ten years ago Constantine was chassed out of Greek waters by the Navy, the current governments stratagy is to cause and publicise the least amount of fuss about his visits so as not to draw attention to his presence in the country.

It really does seem important to distinguish however monarchists from Constantine fans. Just beacuse people like Constantine does not mean they are pro-monarchy and just because people are pro-rebublican does not mean they dont like Constantine. Equaly those who are pro-monarchy don't neccesserily want Constantine. The Crown and the Man do appear to be seperate issues.

The general consences is they think the government are a bunch of "malakas." Typical to form, the people are still not happy - they think they didnt like the monarchy, they think they dont like the republic... They were glad to see Stephanopolous go beacuse he was old and out of touch but they elect Papoulias who is the same age. In a country who has abolished the monarchy several times and have restored it through popular plesbite later, anything is possible in Greece. Who knows, they may even let the clerics and the church have a go at running the country one day.

The only thing for certain is that public opinion is diverse and it is not a topic that is politley discussed or to any great length. At the end of the day, many like Constantine and many do not. However they have far more pressing issues (and quite rightly) such as the economy to worry about and finding a government administration to do the job than to worry about whether the Head of State should be a King or a President.

 

[susan alicia]

Qoute: "Discussing the monarchy in Greece is an interesting activity to observe. When ever the subject is raised, people go quiet... they then look around to see if anyone is nearby... they then lean over and talk very quietly so as not to be over heard about how they like the king and how he is very popular but it isnt something you talk about beacuse the government doesnt like it."

Being half greek, and speaking greek fluently I know that the greeks talk about politics when they want and about what they want. They are also not bothered if talking complete nonsense.
The description you give would only be applicable during the Junta but not now.

re the church taking over, that is a joke, 99% of the greeks are practicing greek orthodox (am just guessing) but the respect for the greek clergy is

Just to really upset things - Whilst being in Greece I have learnt a few interesting things about Greeks attitudes towards Constantine the man, the Monarchy and the Republic.

The King indeed has no involvement in Greek politics, and there is at the moment and foreseable future zero chance of a restoration of the monarchy. However the King is involved privatley in funding welfair issues through the Anna Marie Foundation and in giving the Government endless headaches. He comes and goes quite frequently now and there hasn't been a great deal in the news about his recent visit for the christening of his grandson. However one can only imagine the headache to the government when he turns up with his sister Sophia and other royals who the establishment can hardley cause a fuss over without insulting their respective countries.

Discussing the monarchy in Greece is an interesting activity to observe. When ever the subject is raised, people go quiet... they then look around to see if anyone is nearby... they then lean over and talk very quietly so as not to be over heard about how they like the king and how he is very popular but it isnt something you talk about beacuse the government doesnt like it.

The younger generation have only ever known the Republic and don't really see what the fuss is about. They generaly dont think much of the Government or the Presidents... they see the Presidents as old and out of touch, however restoring the monarchy is not high on their lists of fun things to do in an evening and really dont see what the problem is with letting Constantine live in Greece. The older generations tend to be more romantic about the king. Some do genuinly dislike the monarchy and Constantine, but others still like him very much, but again dont see the point in abolishing the republic and restoring the monarchy for the sake of it.

Republican propiganda is evident in peoples opionions on the matter. Even those who really like the King dont want the monarchy's restoration beacuse they beleive he will cost them money. Of course a change in regime would be unneccesserily expensive, however the fact that Constantine wanted Tatoi and not compensation, the fact the comensation is being used for public good and that a Head of State has the same expenses in State function whether a King or a President in office (although Presidential Election costs would be eliminated) is neither generaly known or considered (as is the case under any monarchy).

All said and given, relations between the current government and Constantine is much more amicable than with previous governments, although this is partly due to the fact that Karamanlis' supporters feature a large proportion of monarchists. Whereas ten years ago Constantine was chassed out of Greek waters by the Navy, the current governments stratagy is to cause and publicise the least amount of fuss about his visits so as not to draw attention to his presence in the country.

It really does seem important to distinguish however monarchists from Constantine fans. Just beacuse people like Constantine does not mean they are pro-monarchy and just because people are pro-rebublican does not mean they dont like Constantine. Equaly those who are pro-monarchy don't neccesserily want Constantine. The Crown and the Man do appear to be seperate issues.

The general consences is they think the government are a bunch of "malakas." Typical to form, the people are still not happy - they think they didnt like the monarchy, they think they dont like the republic... They were glad to see Stephanopolous go beacuse he was old and out of touch but they elect Papoulias who is the same age. In a country who has abolished the monarchy several times and have restored it through popular plesbite later, anything is possible in Greece. Who knows, they may even let the clerics and the church have a go at running the country one day.

The only thing for certain is that public opinion is diverse and it is not a topic that is politley discussed or to any great length. At the end of the day, many like Constantine and many do not. However they have far more pressing issues (and quite rightly) such as the economy to worry about and finding a government administration to do the job than to worry about whether the Head of State should be a King or a President.

 

[Sean.~]

Republican propiganda is evident in peoples opionions on the matter. Even those who really like the King dont want the monarchy's restoration beacuse they beleive he will cost them money. Of course a change in regime would be unneccesserily expensive, however the fact that Constantine wanted Tatoi and not compensation, the fact the comensation is being used for public good and that a Head of State has the same expenses in State function whether a King or a President in office (although Presidential Election costs would be eliminated) is neither generaly known or considered (as is the case under any monarchy).

I think there are other, more substantive reasons for not wanting restoration than simply government "propaganda" relating to cost. People are more intelligent than that=, and base these kinds of decisions on their experiences, freedoms, values, quality of life, etc.

After all, many of them had the misfortune to live under the monarchy. The bottom line is that Greece had a horrible run under the monarchy, and it is doing far better politically, economically, and socially without it. I think most Greeks realize this and thus it would be absurd for them to go back to a system of government that didn't work. In short, they're doing quite well with the system they have.

With respect to the whole compensation issue, he *was* actually seeking compensation (despite claims to the contrary), knowing full well that the properties would not be restored, since the Greek govt. refused to negotiate on the matter with him. His orignal claim was for 316 million British pounds, and it included compensation for the former royal palace, Mon Repos, Tatoi, and Polidendri and thousands of acres. However, he was only partly successful and was awarded only some 8 million British pounds.

The whole foundation thing is propaganda to boost his image and to make him look magnanimous. The fact of the matter is that he took the money from the Greeks (and he was willing to take a lot more), and that he's now 'helping them' with their own money in order to garner attention for himself and to divert attention from the fact that he unsuccessfully tried to take them for more $$$, as he knew fully that he wasn't going to be restored -- ever.

The 'people' would have been better served had the funds remained with the government or given to a welfare NGO within the country. Or if the the whole sorry lawsuit not taken place, or if Constantine had declared a 'moral victory', and had decided not to take a dime.

As far as the costs for a head of state being the same whether a President or King, I would argue that this is not entirely correct. Monarchies are more expensive than republics of the same or similar size.

 

[Frothy]

He's not "the King". I really don't understand why people are calling him King Constantine and the King. Greece is a Republic. He's ex-King Constantine if you must use the word 'King' at all.

 

[suturegeisha]

He's not "the King". I really don't understand why people are calling him King Constantine and the King. Greece is a Republic. He's ex-King Constantine if you must use the word 'King' at all.

I think people use that title out of respect since he *was* the real King for a few years, until he got chased out.
I also don't have any problems with Constantine's kids using the title "Prince" and "Princess" and what have you, after all, their father and mother *were* a king and queen, albeit for a short time.
What confuses me is why Pavlos and Marie-Chantal's kids are called Princes and Princess. That makes no sense. It's like the titles in Germany, I don't understand that either [I guess saying that you're Prince Such-and-Such looks good on your resume?].......
Yoi.

 

[MoonlightRhapsody]

I understand that Constantine's parents were highly disliked in Greece and to some extent, Constantine inherited such animosity. My question is, for Constantine's siblings, like Queen Sophia of Spain, are they disliked as much in Greece?

As a newbie in this topic, it seems like that the sins of the father (or parents) are passed on to the son (and children).

 

[Sean.~]

I think people use that title out of respect since he *was* the real King for a few years, until he got chased out.
I also don't have any problems with Constantine's kids using the title "Prince" and "Princess" and what have you, after all, their father and mother *were* a king and queen, albeit for a short time.
by these titles and/or other peop

What confuses me is why Pavlos and Marie-Chantal's kids are called Princes and Princess. That makes no sense. It's like the titles in Germany, I don't understand that either [I guess saying that you're Prince Such-and-Such looks good on your resume?].......
Yoi.

The German situation is a little different. They weren't chased out, and often there is a long established bond between the former ruling houses and the people of the area. Bavaria is an excellent example of this. Moreover, in Germany the title is actually a part of the last name.

And, no doubt, it does good on the resume & impresses the noveau riche social climbers ;-)

 

[Alexandria]

I understand that Constantine's parents were highly disliked in Greece and to some extent, Constantine inherited such animosity. My question is, for Constantine's siblings, like Queen Sophia of Spain, are they disliked as much in Greece?

I don't know about Irene, but Sofia is not disliked in Greece. At the time of the military coup, Sofia had already been married for a few years to Juan Carlos, who was the future King of Spain. Although she was born a princess of Greece, and the sister of the deposed King, she was regarded as separate from the matter. Politically within Spain, with much direction from Franco, Juan Carlos and Sofia were advised to separate themselves from the matter even if Constantine was family. Franco did not want Spain associated with the matter in any way. In the years following the coup between making temporary homes in Rome and ultimately in London, Juan Carlos and Sofia provided some financial aid (as did Anne Marie's sister Margrethe and her mom Ingrid) to the family, but in the Spanish couple's case, the monetary support was small and limited as Spain was not that wealthy a monarchy and thus the private funds of the couple not too substantial. (I understand that Ingrid did help out her daughter and son-in-law substantially though.)

In the early nineties, Sofia was able to visit Greece (a good decade before Constantine was able to) because her passport identified her as a citizen of Spain.

My (limited) understanding of the problem is based on mostly what I've learned here, and that the dislike for Constantine was essentially limited to him (and perhaps somewhat to his mother Frederika, but that's another matter), and did not spread to the rest of his family. I think the Greeks did like Anne-Marie as an individual, but obviously she was attached to Constantine and the Greeks disliked him vehemently for his political maneouvers. I think it was nothing personal to any of them, strictly political, but often times, the personal is the political.

 

[grecka]

I think people overestimate the hatred Greeks feel toward the monarchy. I have cousins who live in Thessaloniki and, I remember, a few years ago I brought up the subject of the monarchy and the only member of the royal family they could name was King Constantine. They had no knowledge of Queen Anne-Marie or Princess Irene or any of the other princes and princessess. Therefore, I'd say that most Greeks have moved on and don't think much of the royal family. After all, Greece has prospered under the Republican system, and grown economically and socially; has moved beyond the political upheaval which ensued after the civil war in the late 1940s and the years of military dictatorship in the 1970s. I do, however still hold, that around 5 percent (maybe less) of the population would characterize themselves as monarchist. A portion of the Greek population still remains extremely conservative (the over 45). It's this portion of the population which is still heavily influenced by the tradition of the Greek Orthodox Church, by the remnants of the glory of the Byzantine Empire, and, believe it or not, by the Greek monarchy (it's also this portion of the population which strongly opposes Turkey's inclusion into the European Union). Outside this small group of supporters, however, the ex-Greek monarchy enjoys a quiet indifference among the general populace.

 

[Von Schlesian]

He's not "the King". I really don't understand why people are calling him King Constantine and the King. Greece is a Republic. He's ex-King Constantine if you must use the word 'King' at all.

Not entirely true. H.M King Constantine II of the Hellenes is still listed as such in many current records (such as Whitaker's Almanack and Burke's Peerage etc). It is in recognition of his position as head of the Royal Family, who just because they aren't reigning, does not make them any less Royal, especially considering his parents, grandparents etc.

Many former monarchs are still rightfully referred to as King/Queen etc. For example, The King of the French, The Queen of the Albanians, The King of the Roumanians.

 

[Von Schlesian]

His Majesty responded to a friend of mine, Dr P.W Harris when asked if he thought he'd ever be restored to the throne, "I shall be restored when I grow a sixth toe on each foot".

I know it's not important, but a direct quote from His Majesty.

 

[Sean.~]

Not entirely true. H.M King Constantine II of the Hellenes is still listed as such in many current records (such as Whitaker's Almanack and Burke's Peerage etc). It is in recognition of his position as head of the Royal Family, who just because they aren't reigning, does not make them any less Royal, especially considering his parents, grandparents etc.

Many former monarchs are still rightfully referred to as King/Queen etc. For example, The King of the French, The Queen of the Albanians, The King of the Roumanians.

Rather than being rightful, it is a matter of choice, since these are only titles of pretensions. Their Kingdoms don't exist anymore.One can choose to acknowledge them & one can choose not to. By not choosing to use their titles one is not commiting any kind of diplomatic gaffe. Conversely, by using them one may affect the sensibilities of the legitimate governments of these countries and their peoples.

No one is really referred to as the King of the French. There are competing claimants, but they use & are known by different titles -- Comte de Paris, Duc de Anjou, & Prince Napoleon. Maybe that's what you meant.

By the way, I really enjoy your posts. In fact, I think we have so many interesting and knowledgable posters here! If I come across as terse in my posts, I'm not trying to be. It's my writing style and I'm workin on it!

 

[Sean.~]

I think people overestimate the hatred Greeks feel toward the monarchy. I have cousins who live in Thessaloniki and, I remember, a few years ago I brought up the subject of the monarchy and the only member of the royal family they could name was King Constantine. They had no knowledge of Queen Anne-Marie or Princess Irene or any of the other princes and princessess. Therefore, I'd say that most Greeks have moved on and don't think much of the royal family. After all, Greece has prospered under the Republican system, and grown economically and socially; has moved beyond the political upheaval which ensued after the civil war in the late 1940s and the years of military dictatorship in the 1970s. I do, however still hold, that around 5 percent (maybe less) of the population would characterize themselves as monarchist. A portion of the Greek population still remains extremely conservative (the over 45). It's this portion of the population which is still heavily influenced by the tradition of the Greek Orthodox Church, by the remnants of the glory of the Byzantine Empire, and, believe it or not, by the Greek monarchy (it's also this portion of the population which strongly opposes Turkey's inclusion into the European Union). Outside this small group of supporters, however, the ex-Greek monarchy enjoys a quiet indifference among the general populace.

A very succinct and well written post, Grecka!

Sean

 

[Warren]

Welcome to TRF

By the way, I really enjoy your posts. In fact, I think we have so many interesting and knowledgable posters here! If I come across as terse in my posts, I'm not trying to be. It's my writing style and I'm workin on it!

Welcome to TRF fellow Australian Von Schlesian, and well said, Sean (and thanks for the reassurance re your writing style!)


W

 

[Splodger]

The style to which Constantine (and other ex-kings) are accorded is a 'political' one. If you support their claime you therefore recognise them as being 'King.' If you dont support them you then can either call them 'Ex-King' or 'Mr' depending upon whether you wish to accord them any degree of respect. Its a personal thing.

I do also wish people could see the years under the Monarchy in the context of the time. Previous republics and dictatorships didn't work either. Greece had alot of problems, especialy ecanomical which the advent of tourism in the late 60s and 70s, due to affordabe commercial airlines, boosted the economy. The Republic did not invent the jumbo jet, tourism coinsided with the republic.

As for how Greeks talk about politics openly - some issues yes, but I am only accounting what I am seeing here - also it isn't an every day toppic of conversation - most people mind their own business and unlike me dont go around asking their friends the perculier question "do you like 'ex'-King Constantine." I must confess no one ever asks me if i like Queen Elizabeth - they ask me about Tony Blair but not the British Royal Family.

Mind you what ever their feelings, at least Karamanlis can walk about without being hurled abuse at like Tony Blair - I have never seen Blair in person but Karamanlis walked right passed me - I was quite impressed, given where my sympathies lie I would have preffered to see you know who but I thought it was nice.

 

[Frothy]

They had no knowledge of Queen Anne-Marie or Princess Irene or any of the other princes and princessess. Therefore, I'd say that most Greeks have moved on and don't think much of the royal family.

LOL! Which, I'm sure, they probably hate worse than people actually caring.

I can't agree with the earlier poster. Nobody is 'rightly' referred to as the King of France, that's nuts! What is royalty, in the end? a crowned head of state of a particular country. A royal title derives from either the consent of the people or despotism (England on the one hand, Saudi Arabia on the other). If the people vote to become a Republic that's the end of it. Calling a person a King when the people of that country said 'we're a republic thanks' is an insult to them. He's not 'Majesty', he's Mr. X.

HRH Princess Anne-Marie is a true Princess of the first rank however as a Princess of Denmark, daughter of a Danish monarch.

As is being discussed on the MC thread, the interesting thing about the former Greek royals is their connection to the royal house of Denmark. I am still trying to work out if the Denmark in 'of greece and Denmark' still officially applies to make them Danish princes and princesses, or if it is in the nature of a description of their house and lineage - in which case they would be only ex-princes of Greece and therefore, of Denmark.

And as noted on this thread, even ex-King Constantine calls himself "Ex" or former on his own website. There is no need for others to claim for him more than he claims for himself. In this respect I find Constantine more gracious and more respectful of Greece and the will of the Greeks than Pavlos and M-C whose insistence on Greek titles (they never talk about the putative Danish ones) strikes me as pretentious, sad, and disrespectful to Greece's decision to be a republic.

 

[Von Schlesian]

Sean;
Thankyou kindly for your encouragement. It certainly makes me feel at ease to know that when around like minded people (those with deep interest in Royal Families), I can post knowledge which in many other cases would simply wash over people.

Warren, thankyou too for your welcome.

Splodger;
I think the issue you raise is a true one, unfortunately too many people look towards Monarchs as purely political figures, and not (as with our monarchy), being "above politics". I don't think people's method of address is purely for former Monarchs either, the amount of people I hear referring to "Lizzie Windsor, and Phil the Greek" makes me cringe.

And I think the issue (for those Christians out there), may also be related to the divine right of Kings, but I'm not going to open that can of worms here : )