The royal community gathered in Athens to bid farewell to King Constantine II of Greece, the nation’s last monarch who passed away at the age of 82.
Princess Anne, representing the British royal family, was among the esteemed guests at the funeral held at Athens Metropolitan Cathedral.
Alongside her husband Timothy Lawrence, Princess Anne arrived in a dignified long black coat, paying respects to the late Greek king.
Among the European royalty present were Queen Letizia of Spain and King Philip, the former monarch’s nephew.
The public warmly greeted Princess Anne and her husband as they entered the cathedral, where they embraced the monarch’s son in a solemn moment of remembrance.
Speculation had arisen regarding the attendance of the British royal family, with initial reports hinting at the presence of the prince and princess of Wales.
However, Kensington Palace confirmed their absence at the service.
Thousands of mourners lined up outside the cathedral from the early hours of the morning to honor King Constantine’s memory.
The monarchy in Greece was officially abolished in a 1974 referendum, leading to decades of exile for Constantine before his eventual return to his homeland.
His wife, Queen Anne Marie of Denmark, and their eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos, joined the gathering of nearly 200 celebrities to pay their respects.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams highlighted the historical ties between the British and Greek royal families, tracing back to Prince Philip‘s lineage as a prince of Greece and Denmark.
King Constantine’s close relationship with King Charles III was evident through significant events such as his 60th birthday celebration hosted by Charles at Highgrove.
The bond between the two royal families was further emphasized by Princess Anne’s presence at the funeral, symbolizing the enduring connections between Britain and Greece.
King Constantine’s recent health struggles, which prevented him from attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, had raised concerns among well-wishers.
Despite facing breathing difficulties and receiving intensive care at Hagia Hospital in Athens, the late monarch maintained strong ties with his extended royal family until his passing.
The gathering of prominent figures from various royal lineages underscored the respect and admiration held for King Constantine within the international royal community.
As the royal family bids farewell to a revered figure in Greek history, the legacy of King Constantine II continues to resonate across borders.
The ceremonial tribute in Athens served as a poignant reminder of the enduring connections and shared histories among European royalty.
The presence of Princess Anne at the funeral exemplified the solidarity and camaraderie that transcends geographical boundaries within the esteemed circles of global royalty.
