Many royals across Europe paid their last respect during King Constantine’s funeral, but the British crown, King Charles, and his son, Prince William, did not participate in the procession; neither were they present at the venue. King Constantine’s youthful reign was cut short following his exile. The former Greece monarch lived in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, where he grew familiar with his second cousin, King Charles.
Years later, he visited his roots after his mother, Queen Federica’s death in 1981. The exiled King soon became relaxed enough to return to Greece. This time, he engaged in a lawsuit with the previous socialist government as it had stripped him of his nationality and confiscated the property of the royal family.
King Constantine was not only a former King but also the last from his line to wear the crown and rule. He was also an Olympic gold medalist. Above all, he was a family man, survived by the former Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark, five children, Alexia, Pavlos, Nikolaos, Theodora, and Philippos; and nine grandchildren.
The King, who passed away on Tuesday at the private Hygeia Hospital in Athens, shared a relationship with King Charles and Prince William—his godson. However, the pair failed to show up at King Constantine’s funeral but honored his memory.
Very upset to hear that the last King of the Hellenes has died at the age of 82. Constantine II reigned from 1964 until the abolition of the Greek Monarchy in 1973.
The former King was second cousin and close friend to King Charles III and the godfather of Prince William. pic.twitter.com/hqBmnCkSmd
— 𝕮𝖆𝖒𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖆 𝕽𝖊𝖌𝖎𝖓𝖆 𝕭𝖗𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖓𝖎𝖆𝖊 (@camillaregbrit) January 11, 2023
King Charles and Prince William were Absent from King Constantine’s Funeral
King Charles and Prince William remained in their base during King Constantine’s funeral, but they paid tribute to the deceased by choosing delegates to represent them at the event. For the Prince of Wales, his cousin, Lady Gabriella Windsor, alongside his aunt, Princess Anne, attended the ceremony in both father and son’s stead.
King Charles’ sister graced the event with her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, by her side. Their presence was warmly received when the King’s eldest son, Prince Pavlos, greeted them. Lady Gabrielle was not far from the older royal, proving that they attended King Constatine’s funeral as one despite the absence of King Charles and Prince William.
King Charles’ absence is not a surprise as his mother, Queen Elizabeth, was rarely seen at funerals. He seems to be toeing down the same path. Speaking of family unity, the host, King Constatine’s sons, Prince Pavlos, Prince Nikolaos, and Prince Philippos, joined forces for a smooth funeral procession as they tailed behind the coffin of the deceased.
