Former Greek royal family officially regains citizenship

·

Members of Greece’s former royal family have been granted Greek citizenship and formally recognised the country’s republican system, marking a historic move 50 years after the monarchy was abolished.

The late King Constantine II and his family were stripped of their citizenship in 1994 following a dispute with the government over royal property and claims that the king refused to renounce any royal rights for his descendants.

While Constantine II passed away last year at age 82, on Thursday, December 19, his relatives signed a declaration acknowledging Greece’s republican system and adopted the surname “De Grece”—French for “of Greece.”

Athanasios Balerpas, an Interior Ministry official, called the move “a historically pending matter.”

“Let’s look to the future now. I think it’s a good moment because it closes an account from the past and we can now look forward as a people,” he added.

Photo: Milos Bicanski / Getty.

The decision, published Friday, December 20, in the government gazette, allows the De Grece family to apply for Greek passports and identity cards. It applies to the five children of Constantine II and former Queen Anne-Marie—Alexia, Pavlos, Nikolaos, Theodora and Philippos—as well as five of the late king’s grandchildren.

The Greek monarchy was abolished by referendum in December 1974, when voters overwhelmingly chose a republican constitution following the collapse of a military dictatorship. The royal family lived in exile for decades before Constantine II returned to Greece in his seventies.

In 1994, during a legal dispute over the former royal estate, which is now state-owned, the family lost their citizenship. They had previously refused to adopt the surname “Glücksburg,” imposed by a 1994 law, as they felt it was too closely tied to their German heritage.

Source: Ekathimerini.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Bill Papas reportedly submits bid to purchase Greek Super League team Xanthi FC

Sydney Olympic president Bill Papas is due to take over Xanthi FC after he reportedly reached an agreement with current owner Christos Panopoulos.

Greek Australian-owned construction group under pressure after entering administration

Greek Australian-owned construction group, Ganellen, placed one of its companies into administration last week.

Vasili’s Taxidi: Hellenic Patisserie and Gelato Bar – Shops Synonymous with Marrickville

By Vasilios Vasilas One interesting aspect about shops and businesses is the way they become associated with a suburb; as soon as you say their...