"Former Greek royal family regains citizenship after more than 30 years of statelessness."

Members of the former Greek royal family have expressed their deep emotion following the Greek government's decision to restore their citizenship, ending a controversy that has lasted for more than three decades. This decision, published in the official gazette last Friday, grants citizenship to ten family members, including the five children of the late King Constantine II and several of his grandchildren. The news has resonated throughout the country, where the abolition of the monarchy in 1974 left a significant mark on the collective memory. The royal family found themselves in a state of statelessness since they were stripped of their nationality in 1994 amid a dispute over former royal property, which had come under state control. This deprivation not only affected their legal status but also imposed a considerable emotional burden, as they stated in their official communiqué. In it, the family not only expresses their gratitude but also emphasizes the suffering that came with living without a national identity. In their statement, they asserted that they fully respected the outcome of the referendum that led to the abolition of the monarchy, but argued that the 1994 law was not appropriate for a former head of state and their family. This acknowledgment of recent history and the political transition that Greece experienced highlights the delicate balance between monarchical tradition and modern democracy. The death of King Constantine II last year at the age of 82 marked a milestone in this family narrative. Constantine, who had returned to Greece only in the later part of his life, was a controversial figure, largely due to his involvement in the political tensions of his time. His reign, which lasted until 1973, was marked by crises and challenges, and his ousting during the military dictatorship left a complex political legacy. Recent history has seen Constantine's children take a pragmatic approach to their past. The decision to adopt the surname "De Grece" and renounce any claims to royal titles is a significant step that reflects a desire to make peace with history and accept the new democratic order of the country. This gesture not only symbolizes a change in stance but also seeks to close a chapter in Greece's political history. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis has celebrated this change, emphasizing that it represents a recognition of the established democracy in Greece. In his statements, he asserted that the country has a solid democracy and a respected constitution, contrasting with the tumultuous years the country experienced in the past. This context provides a new framework in which the former royal family can integrate more harmoniously into contemporary Greek society. The five children of Constantine, who have now regained their citizenship, are between the ages of 37 and 58 and represent a new generation seeking to build their identity in a modern context. Among their descendants are five grandchildren who have also received citizenship, suggesting that the family is willing to look toward the future rather than be trapped in past rivalries. It is noteworthy that other family members, including former Queen Anna-Maria, have not applied for citizenship, which may indicate a diversity of opinions within the family regarding the role they should play in contemporary Greek society. However, this return to legal status is a clear sign of reconciliation, not only with the past but also with the Greek people, who have evolved in their perception of the monarchy and its legacy. Thus, this decision not only represents a symbolic return for the former Greek royal family but also invites deeper reflection on national identity, politics, and how historical institutions can adapt to a radically changed world. The restoration of citizenship opens a new chapter in Greece's history, a country that, after decades of challenges, seeks to strengthen its democracy and unite its citizens around a shared future.