In a historic move, Greece has restored citizenship to members of its former royal family, bringing an end to a decades-long dispute with the government. The decision has sparked deep emotions among the family, who were stripped of their Greek citizenship nearly 30 years ago.
The monarchy was abolished in Greece following a 1974 referendum, and citizenship was revoked from the former royals in 1994 amid a conflict over royal estates that were transferred to state ownership. The recent government decision, published in the official gazette, grants citizenship to 10 family members, including the five children of the late King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie, as well as their five grandchildren.
“With deep emotions, we regain Greek citizenship after 30 years. The 1994 law rendered us stateless, causing not only legal challenges but immense emotional pain,” the family stated in a bilingual announcement, marking a significant chapter in their reconciliation with their homeland.