Skip to main contentSkip to footer
king charles prince william cenotaph© Photo: Getty Images

Heartbreak for King Charles and Prince William following death of Constantine II

King Charles was the second cousin of King Constantine II

Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
January 9, 2023
Share this:

There will be heartbreak for King Charles and Prince William as the pair learned of the death of King Constantine II, the last monarch of Greece.

FURTHER DETAILS: Prince William receives sad family news amid Spare leak drama

Constantine's first cousin was Prince Philip, making King Charles his second cousin. The pair were very close and Charles even named Constantine as William's godfather. William himself would go on to be named godfather of Constantine's first grandson, Constantine Alexios.

WATCH: King Charles makes candid confession about Queen's death

The former Greek monarch passed away on Tuesday with his wife and children by his side, with sister Queen Sofia and Princess Irene flying back to Greece to be with their family member.

TRENDING: Details from Prince William and Kate's 'second summit' at Prince Harry and Meghan's home revealed

READ: Prince William 'devastated' over Prince Harry's book and TV interviews

Constantine, who was 82 when he passed away, had been suffering from ill health for a number of years and was being treated at the private Hygeia Hospital in Athens.

An official statement from his office on Wednesday read: "It is with deep sadness that the Royal Family announces that HM King Constantine, beloved husband, father, and brother, passed away yesterday, January 10, 2023, while being treated at ‘HYGEIA’ hospital in Greece. Details will follow regarding his funeral procession and burial."

There had been concerns over the royal's recent health after he was unable to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, with his wife and two of their children attending in his place.

King Constantine and Queen Anne Marie© Photo: Getty Images

Constantine passed away on Tuesday

Constantine acceded to the Greek throne in 1964 following the death of his father, King Paul. However, he would rule for less than a decade after a military junta abolished the monarchy.

Two referendums were held following the abolition, a disputed one in 1973 before a second one in 1974, with both returning results in favour of abolition.

REVEALED: Prince Harry and Prince William's cheeky request to palace staff

READ: Prince Harry reveals he believes Princess Diana 'would be heartbroken' in latest interview

The father-of-three lived in exile for many years in Hampstead Garden Suburb, before eventually returning to his native country in 2010.

Alongside being a royal, he was also an accomplished sportsman, and even won a gold medal in the 1960 Olympics in the sailing.

He leaves behind his wife, Queen Anne-Marie and five children: Princess Alexia, Crown Prince Pavlos, Prince Nikolaos, Princess Theodora and Prince Philippos.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information please click here.

More Royalty

See more