Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark passes away at 85
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The Royal Family, along with their fans and watchers, mourn over the loss of Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark.
According to reports, he passed away in a hospital in Athens. He was 85 years old.
A first cousin to the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, his life was steeped in both tragedy and romance.
His life was nothing short of colourful, as his decisions reflected the changing attitudes towards royal traditions and personal freedom.
Born in 1939, Prince Michael's early years were marred with loss and displacement.
His father, Prince Christopher of Greece and Denmark, passed away when Michael was just a toddler.
His mother, Princess Francoise d'Oleans of France, died when he was 14, leaving him an orphan at a young age.
The young Prince's life was a tapestry of historical upheaval as he travelled across Europe and North Africa during the Second World War.
He eventually settled in Paris, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for his Greek heritage.
Despite the turmoil, Prince Michael's heart remained anchored to Greece.
He served as a member of its army and the only royal to gain Greek citizenship.
During the 1967 military coup, he was the sole member of the Greek Royal Family to remain in the country after his nephew, King Constantine, failed to overthrow the Junta.
Yet, it was his love story with Marina Karella, a commoner and the daughter of an Athenian industrialist, that truly captured the nation.
Their meeting at a party led to an immediate connection, with Prince Michael recalling in his memoir the moment he knew Marina.
'It was like a revelation—it was her and no one else,' he shared.
They immediately got engaged yet faced hurdles before their marriage.
The Royal Protocol at the time stated that a Prince could not marry a commoner without renouncing his claim to the throne.
In a shocking yet powerful move, Prince Michael relinquished his Royal rights to marry Marina in a lavish ceremony in 1965.
The decision was a testament to his belief in personal freedom and his commitment to the woman he adored.
Their marriage lasted for 58 years.
Prince Michael's renunciation of his royal status allowed him to pursue a career as a writer and historian under the name Michel De Gres.
He delved into topics such as Ancient Greece, the Ottoman Empire, and European royal families.
His works, which included fictional biographies and novels written in French, were a testament to his intellectual curiosity and his desire to carve out a life beyond royalty.
Prince Michael's life was a rich tapestry, and his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes.
He left behind a legacy of devotion to his wife, their daughters, Princess Alexandra and Princess Olga, and their five grandchildren.
His story was a reminder that even within the gilded cages of royalty, the human heart yearns for connection and the freedom to choose its path.
Prince Michael's life was a blend of royal duty and personal fulfilment, and his memory will continue to inspire those who believe in the transformative power of love.
May he rest in peace.
According to reports, he passed away in a hospital in Athens. He was 85 years old.
A first cousin to the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, his life was steeped in both tragedy and romance.
His life was nothing short of colourful, as his decisions reflected the changing attitudes towards royal traditions and personal freedom.
Born in 1939, Prince Michael's early years were marred with loss and displacement.
His father, Prince Christopher of Greece and Denmark, passed away when Michael was just a toddler.
His mother, Princess Francoise d'Oleans of France, died when he was 14, leaving him an orphan at a young age.
Prince Michael built a career as a writer and historian in his later years. Image Credit: Wikipedia
The young Prince's life was a tapestry of historical upheaval as he travelled across Europe and North Africa during the Second World War.
He eventually settled in Paris, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for his Greek heritage.
Despite the turmoil, Prince Michael's heart remained anchored to Greece.
He served as a member of its army and the only royal to gain Greek citizenship.
During the 1967 military coup, he was the sole member of the Greek Royal Family to remain in the country after his nephew, King Constantine, failed to overthrow the Junta.
Yet, it was his love story with Marina Karella, a commoner and the daughter of an Athenian industrialist, that truly captured the nation.
Their meeting at a party led to an immediate connection, with Prince Michael recalling in his memoir the moment he knew Marina.
'It was like a revelation—it was her and no one else,' he shared.
They immediately got engaged yet faced hurdles before their marriage.
The Royal Protocol at the time stated that a Prince could not marry a commoner without renouncing his claim to the throne.
In a shocking yet powerful move, Prince Michael relinquished his Royal rights to marry Marina in a lavish ceremony in 1965.
The decision was a testament to his belief in personal freedom and his commitment to the woman he adored.
Their marriage lasted for 58 years.
Prince Michael's renunciation of his royal status allowed him to pursue a career as a writer and historian under the name Michel De Gres.
He delved into topics such as Ancient Greece, the Ottoman Empire, and European royal families.
His works, which included fictional biographies and novels written in French, were a testament to his intellectual curiosity and his desire to carve out a life beyond royalty.
Prince Michael's life was a rich tapestry, and his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes.
He left behind a legacy of devotion to his wife, their daughters, Princess Alexandra and Princess Olga, and their five grandchildren.
His story was a reminder that even within the gilded cages of royalty, the human heart yearns for connection and the freedom to choose its path.
May he rest in peace.
