King Constantine II

Constantine II (Greek: Κωνσταντίνος Βʹ, 2 June 1940 – 10 January 2023) served as the final King of Greece, reigning from 6 March 1964 until the monarchy's dissolution on 1 June 1973. Born in Athens to Crown Prince Paul and Crown Princess Frederica, he was also a Danish prince due to his lineage. His early years were marked by upheaval as his family was exiled during World War II, spending time in Egypt and South Africa before returning to Greece in 1946 amidst the Greek Civil War. When his uncle George II passed away in 1947, Paul ascended the throne, making Constantine the crown prince.

A notable athlete, Constantine achieved Olympic glory by winning a gold medal in sailing at the 1960 Rome Olympics, competing in the Dragon class alongside Odysseus Eskitzoglou and George Zaimis. He joined the International Olympic Committee in 1964, shortly before becoming king following his father’s death. His marriage to Princess Anne-Marie of Denmark produced five children.

Despite a promising start, his reign faced significant challenges, culminating in the military coup of April 1967. Lacking military support, he reluctantly acquiesced to the junta's rule, which ultimately led to his exile after a failed countercoup later that year. The monarchy was officially abolished in 1973, a decision confirmed by a referendum in 1974, which Constantine accepted. After years in London, he returned to Athens in 2013 and passed away in 2023 after suffering a stroke.