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With heavy hearts, we share the sad news of the passing of King Charles’ uncle, Michel de Grece, at the age of 85. This marks the end of an important era in European royal history.
According to the Greek newspaper Ekathimerini, historian and author Michel de Grece passed away in an Athens hospital on July 28. Details of his funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Known as Prince Michael, he was the last living grandson of King George I of Greece and had close ties to the British royal family.
As a first cousin of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Michel was also an uncle to King Charles III.
Apart from his royal lineage, Michel was known for his unique personal life. In 1965, he made headlines by giving up his royal rights to marry Marina Karella, an artist and commoner.
This significant decision marked a turning point in Michel’s life. The couple had two daughters, Princess Alexandra and Princess Olga, and five grandchildren.
Despite the political upheavals in Greece, Michel chose to stay in his homeland. Even during the failed 1967 counter-coup when then-King Constantine attempted to overthrow the ruling military Junta, Michel’s dedication to Greece remained steadfast.
Michel’s life in Greece profoundly influenced his work. As a historian, he extensively wrote about Greek history, the Ottoman Empire, and European royalty. His passion for history is evident in his influential books that continue to inspire readers.
Aside from his historical work, Michel generously shared anecdotes about his family, life, and travels on his Instagram page, providing followers with a glimpse into his personal experiences. In 2021, he expressed his views on the British monarchy.
In one instance, when speaking about Charles, Michel displayed empathy for the challenges the King faces. 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.”
Despite his own choices, Michel did not feel envious of Charles’s position, stating, “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.”
Michel also reflected on the state of many families today, observing the prevalent “fighting each other, hating each other.” However, he expressed deep affection for his own family, stating, “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.”
With Michel’s passing, we bid farewell to 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.
