Constantine II, last king of Greece dies at 82
He passed away in an intensive care unit in a private hospital in Athens late on Tuesday, the Associated Press reports citing hospital staff.
Constantine II ascended to the throne in 1964 during a turbulent period in Greek history that culminated in a military coup three years later.
He was soon forced to flee abroad following an unsuccessful counter-coup. The monarchy was abolished in 1973.
Constantine II was later stripped of his Greek citizenship.
He was married to Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark. The couple had five children.
In 2002, he and other family members received compensation for their former property in the country.
A keen sailor, Constantine II won gold in a team event at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
He also later served on the International Olympic Committee.
Former king Constantine to be buried as a private citizen
A meeting took place at Maximos Mansion on Wednesday to decide on the funeral of former king Constantine.
Former king Constantine will eventually be buried as a private citizen, near his ancestors in Tatoi. This was decided in an inter-ministerial meeting under the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Specifically, the following were decided at the inter-ministerial meeting:
- The former king will be buried as a private citizen,
- Burial will take place near his ancestors in Tatoi,
- The Church in which the Exodus Mass will take place will be determined in consultation between the government and the family,
- The government will be represented at the funeral by the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni
- All the procedures provided by the Protocol for the officials from abroad who will attend the funeral will be observed.
