Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark, a cultural historian and celebrated author, died recently in Athens at the age of 85.
According to Daily Mail, Prince Michael gave up his rights to the Greek throne in 1965 to marry Marina, a commoner who was an acclaimed painter and sculptor.
Prince Michael, a descendant of George I and first cousin to Prince Philip, was widely recognized for his unique position in European nobility. He traced his heritage to Greek and Bourbon lineages and was the last surviving grandson of King George I of Greece.
Personal sacrifice defined much of his life; he renounced his claims to the Greek throne in 1965. This was to marry Marina Karella, an artist of non-royal descent, demonstrating a profound commitment to personal over dynastic interests.
They met at a party, and their connection was immediate. Prince Michael often reflected on the formative moment when he first saw Marina, declaring it a decisive factor in his future.
It was like a revelation at a party where I first met Marina - it was her, and no one else. Our dance was a pivotal moment, cementing my decision. The love was immediate and everlasting. Now, 58 years into our marriage, my dedication to Marina and Greece remains unwavering.
Born in 1939, Prince Michael's early years were fraught with loss. His father passed away when he was a toddler, and his mother later on. His upbringing in Paris nurtured his enduring fascination with Greek history, a passion that would shape his life's work and identity.
His extensive writing career under the pseudonym Michel De Gres allowed him to express his deep historical knowledge and insights, particularly about royal lineage and European history. His writings, mostly penned in French, included detailed accounts of royal families intertwined with narrative flair.
This intellectual pursuit did not overshadow his loyalty; during the 1967 military coup in Greece, Prince Michael chose to stay in Greece when many others of royal descent fled, consolidating his reputation as a true patriot.
Prince Michael was also a member of Greece's Cavalry-Armoured Corps and was notably the only royal to achieve Greek citizenship, further cementing his bond with the country. Over the decades, he remained a familiar face in both Greece and abroad, often speaking at events and sharing his literary works.
Prince Michael's union with Marina Karella was one adorned with mutual respect and love. Together, they raised two daughters, Princess Alexandra and Princess Olga, who survived him today, along with five grandchildren. Their story has been an inspiration to many who value love over material or traditional gains.
Prince Michael's life journey from a prince with a potential claim to the throne to an acclaimed historian and committed family man narrates a tale of choices led by love and passion for knowledge.
In honoring his legacy, we observe a life that, though born into royalty, carved its path driven by personal convictions and a fervent embrace of Greece—not just as a homeland but as a muse and an eternal love. He will be laid to rest in Athens, leaving behind a legacy that intricately blends love, sacrifice, and scholarly pursuit.
