The Greek royal family bid farewell this Thursday to Prince Michael, who passed away last Sunday at the age of 85.
Queen Sofia, second niece of the prince and very close to him, traveled from Palma de Mallorca to Athens to attend the emotional funeral, which took place at the Church of Saint Theodore of the First Cemetery of Athens.
Queen Sofia at the Funeral of Prince Michael of Greece
Queen Sofia was not alone at this delicate moment. She was accompanied by her sister, Princess Irene, who, due to mobility problems, needed a wheelchair to get around.
Other important members of the Greek royal family were also present, including Queen Anne-Marie and her children: Prince Pavlos with his wife, Princess Marie-Chantal; Princess Alexia; Prince Nicholas; Princess Theodora; and Prince Philippos.
Support for the Prince’s Family
Marina Karella, widow of Prince Michael and a Greek sculptor, was supported by her two daughters, Princess Alexandra and Princess Olga, Duchess of Aosta, who attended with her husband, Aimon of Savoy-Aosta.
The atmosphere in the church was charged with solemnity and respect, with wreaths sent by royalty, including King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, as well as former Empress Farah Pahlavi.
Prince Michael: A Life of Renunciations and Close Relationships
Prince Michael, born in Rome in 1939, was the last living grandson of King George I of Greece, the first monarch of the royal house of Glücksburg.
In 1965, he renounced his succession rights to marry Marina Karella, allowing him to remain in Greece after his nephew Constantine and the rest of the royal family were exiled.
A Special Connection
Michael had a very close relationship with Queen Sophia, despite being a year younger than her. The connection between them was strengthened when, at the age of 21 and 22 respectively, Michael moved to live with the Greek royal family in their palace in Athens.
“King Paul and Queen Frederica were very kind to me,” recalled Michael in an interview with Point de Vue on his 80th birthday. “The atmosphere in the family was always warm and we have kept in touch. I see my cousins Constantine, Sofia and Irene frequently.”
Final Rest in Tatoi
After the ceremony, Prince Michael’s mortal remains were taken to the palace of Tatoi, where he was buried in the cemetery of the former residence of the Greek royal family. This same place received last year the remains of Constantine of Greece.