King Charles and Prince William will be devastated after learning of the passing of King Constantine II, the last Greek tsar.
Prince Philip was Constantine’s first cousin, making King Charles his second. Being close friends, Charles even designated Constantine as William’s godfather. Constantine Alexios, Constantine’s first grandson, would later have William as his godfather.
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His wife and children were by his side when he passed away on Tuesday, and his sisters, Queen Sofia and Princess Irene, flew back to Greece to be with him.
Constantine, who was 82 years old when he passed away, had been receiving treatment at the exclusive Hygeia Hospital in Athens for a number of years due to health issues.
Staff members confirmed that he had died in an intensive care unit, but they would not provide any additional information.
The royal’s recent health had been questioned after he was unable to attend Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral; instead, his wife and two of their children did so.
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Following the demise of his father, King Paul, Constantine succeeded to the Greek throne in 1964. However, after a military junta overthrew the monarchy, he would only hold power for less than ten years.
Following the abolition, there were two referendums held, the first in 1973 being contentious and the second in 1974 yielding favorable results.
The father of three spent many years living in exile in Hampstead Garden Suburb before eventually making his way home in 2010.
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In addition to being a royal, he was a skilled athlete who competed in sailing at the 1960 Olympics and even took home a gold medal.
His five children are Princess Alexia, Crown Prince Pavlos, Prince Nikolaos, Princess Theodora, and Prince Philippos. He also leaves behind his wife, Queen Anne-Marie.
