Prince Philip’s cousin Prince Michael of Greece dies age 85
Prince Michael of Greece has died aged 85 in a hospital in Athens, it has been announced. The royal, who was Prince Philip’s first cousin, was a renowned writer and historian under the name Michel De Gres
Prince Michael of Greece has died aged 85.
The royal, who was Prince Philip’s first cousin, passed away at a hospital in Athens, it was announced today, Sunday, July 28. Prince Michael was a renowned writer and historian under the name Michel De Gres and was the last remaining grandson of George I, with a lineage to the House of Bourbon through his mother’s side of the family.
Michael is due to be buried in the Greek capital on Thursday, August 1. The royal was well known for his marriage to Marina Karella for whom he renounced his right to the Greek throne to marry in 1965.
Due to Marina not being a member of the royal family, he was forced to give up his rights to the greek throne in order to marry the acclaimed painter and sculptor. He was born in 1939, ahead of a great change in Europe and the Greek Royal Family.
Prince Michael was the only child of Prince Christopher and his second wife, Princess Francoise d’Oleans of France. His father died at just 51 in 1940 after suffering from a short illness before his mother died in 1953, leaving the royal an orphan by the time he was 14.
The royal had two children with his wife, Princess Olga of Savoy-Aosta and Princess Alexandra of Greece. He studied political science in Paris before re-patriating to Greece for military duty where he served a term in the Hellenic Coast Guard in order to regain Greek citizenship.
Throughout the Second World War, Prince Michael travelled across Europe and north Africa with his parents. He discovered his love for Greece and its history while in France, with him always returning to the country after stints away.
He was the only member of the Greek Royal Family to remain in the country in 1967 when the government fell to a right-wing military coup after his nephew King Constantine failed in his attempts to overthrow the Junta.
Michael was recognised internationally as an author after dozens of bestselling works, with him bringing together his extensive historical knowledge and ability to write. His career first began in 1970 when he focused on historical subjects.
Tributes poured in across the internet, with people sharing their condolences. One person wrote on X: "Extremely sorry to hear of the death of Prince Michael of Greece, aged 85. The Prince was the last male first cousin of Prince Philip. The only other alive first cousin of Philip is now Lady Pamela Hicks. Michael was a first cousin once removed of King Charles. Expected British attendance in his funeral."
Another wrote: "Saddened to hear of the passing of Prince Michael of Greece, the cousin of the late Prince Philip, sending condolences to his family and friends."
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