24hoursworld

Nobility: Greeks bid farewell to ex-King Constantine II

Nobility: Greeks bid farewell to ex-King Constantine II

A long queue formed in front of the small chapel. Numerous people pay their last respects to their ex-king. Almost all of Europe’s royal families will be represented at the funeral service.

The funeral ceremony for the late ex-king Constantine II began in the Greek capital Athens on Monday.

First, citizens were able to pay their last respects to the former monarch in a small chapel next to the orthodox cathedral. They walked next to the coffin covered with the Greek flag and crossed themselves, Greek television showed. Some royalists also sang the Greek national anthem, local reporters said.

Nobles from numerous European countries, including the royal couples of Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Sweden, are expected for the funeral service, which is scheduled to begin around 12 noon. Members of former European royal houses are also present. The sister of British King Charles III, Princess Anne, is expected to attend the funeral service, as reported by state radio.

The funeral will then take place at the former royal family’s summer palace in northern Athens. The tombs of almost all of Constantine II’s ancestors are located there.

Since the monarchy in Greece was abolished by referendum in 1974, Constantine II is buried as a private citizen. He died on January 10 at the age of 82. The ex-monarch’s health had deteriorated after a stroke.

Source: Stern

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Posts