Prince William And Kate Will Reportedly Travel To Greece This Week
Prince William and Princess Catherine will be travelling to the capital of Greece, Athens, on Monday to attend the funeral of King Constantine II of Greece, reports Greek media.
The visit hasn’t been confirmed by Kensington Palace as the Prince and Princess of Wales will be attending in a private, rather than a work capacity.
The royal couple are set to join a host of royals attending the funeral, which is taking place at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens on Monday, King Constantine will be buried in the Royal Cemetery of Tatoi Palace.
Also expected in attendance are Princess Anne, Prince Edward and King Charles, who was second cousin of the late Constantine. The pair were reportedly very close, with Constantine named godfather of Prince William, who himself would go on to be godfather of Constantine Alexios, first grandson of King Constantine.
An official statement from HM King Charles released on Wednesday reads: “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.”
Constantine ascended the Greek throne in 1964, succeeding his father King Paul. He would rule the Mediterranean country for less than a decade, being deposed when a military junta abolished the monarchy.
Two referendums were held, a disputed one in 1973 and another in 1974, both resulting in favour of abolition. Constantine lived in exile for many years following the referendums, only returning to Greece in 2010.
He passed 82-years-of-age, after suffering from ill-health for several years, while being treated at Hygeia Hospital, a private medical institution in Athens. Times of the service, the burial and the lying in repose at Church will be announced at a later date.