For the first time since Charles’ accession to the throne, Queen Camilla led members of the Royal Family in attending the memorial service for the late Constantine II of Greece at St George’s Chapel.
Constantine’s father, King Paul of was a first cousin to Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, making him a second cousin to King Charles. Charles and Constantine II were close friends and shared a passion for sailing.
Members of the British Royal Family were in attendance for today’s service included Princess Alexandra (who was in a wheelchair), Marina Ogilvy, The Duke of York, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Anne and Sir Tim.
Members of the British Royal attending a service at St George’s Chapel. (Greek Royal Family)
The second row saw Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Princess Beatrice and Edo Mapelli Mozzi, Sarah, Duchess of York, The Duke of Kent and Lady Helen Taylor.
Zara and Mike Tindall were also spotted in the congregation in the row behind, along with Lady Sarah Chatto.
One notable absence was Prince William; Kensington Palace announced that The Prince of Wales had to miss the service do to ‘a personal matter’, although it is understood Catherine is still recovering well from surgery. William was Constantine’s godson.
Camilla took the lead, a role that would normally have been carried out by The King; however, he is currently undergoing cancer treatment and has postponed all public-facing duties.
Members of the Greek Royal Family were sitting on the opposite side of the nave, and included Queen Anne-Marie of the Hellenes, Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal, their children Princess Maria-Olympia, Prince Nikolaos of Greece, Princess Theodora of Greece, Prince Philippos of Greece and Princess Irene of Greece.
A number of European Royals were also present, including Former Spanish King Juan Carlos I, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.
Today’s service was led by the Dean of Windsor and The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth.
Constantine II was the last King of Greece and reigned from 1964 to 1974. After the 1974 referendum and the declaration of the Presidential Parliamentary Republic as the state of Greece, the Monarchy was abolished.
In 2013, Constantine II returned permanently to Greece where he died on 10th January 2023 in the capital, Athens, aged 82. He was buried in the Royal Cemetery of Tatio.
