King Charles III’s Greek uncle and the last living grandson of King George I of Greece, passed away at the age of 85, marking the end of an important chapter in European royal history.
According to the Greek newspaper Ekathimerini on July 28, historian and author Michel de Grèce passed away in a hospital in Athens. The details of his funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. Known as Prince Michael, he was reportedly the last living grandson of King George I of Greece and had close ties to the British royal family.
The Greek prince was a first cousin of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, making him an uncle to King Charles III.
In addition to his royal lineage, Michel was known for his distinctive personal life. He made headlines in 1965 by relinquishing his royal rights to marry Marina Karella, an artist and commoner.
This significant break from royal tradition marked a turning point in Michel’s life. The couple had two daughters, Princess Alexandra and Princess Olga, and five grandchildren.
Michel chose to stay in Greece, even after the failed 1967 counter-coup during which then-King Constantine attempted to overthrow the ruling military junta. This decision reflected his strong connection to his homeland and his dedication to Greece.
Michel’s life in Greece deeply influenced his work. As a historian, he wrote extensively on Greek history, the Ottoman Empire, and European royalty. His passion for history was evident in his many books, which continue to be influential.
In addition to his historical work, Michel shared stories about his family, life, and travels on his Instagram page, giving followers a glimpse into his personal experiences. He also shared his views on the British monarchy in 2021.
In one instance, speaking about Charles, Michel expressed empathy for the challenges he faced. He said, “I don’t know if he’s perfect or not…What I know is that he can hardly do better than what he does now…I think he does his best. [Queen Camilla], too. It’s very difficult.”
Michel did not regret following his own path away from the royal limelight and did not feel envious of Charles’s position. “I do not envy him at all, really – poor guy. And he does it with dedication, with a sense of humor. She, too. But I would not like that job at all,” he shared.
Michel also reflected on the state of many families today, noting that he observed a lot of “fighting each other, hating each other” within them.
He expressed his deep affection for his own family. “I created my own family, whom I adore—my wife, children, and grandchildren. That is the most important thing for me. My life has been one of experiences, of discoveries. And I’m still very curious. Now, I’m discovering technology through my grandchildren. It’s fabulous. My life has been an adventure. It still is,” he explained.
Michel’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in European royalty and history. His unique personal choices and influential writings have left a lasting legacy, ensuring that his impact on Greek and European royal history will be remembered for years to come.