Today there is no nobility in Greece but it is worth saying that the Greek royal family, of which there are still members in exile, is a branch of the Glücksburg House. This dynasty reigned in the country between 1863 and 1924 and again between 1935 and 1973. The Hellenic Kings, as they called themselves, came to the throne after a referendum elected Prince Alfred of the United Kingdom as their new king, thus casting Otto of Bavaria. The figure of the prince was rejected and thus the Greeks walked through Europe offering the throne until Prince William of the Danish dynasty of Glückburg accepted it and it was approved.
William thus became King George I and arrived in the country in 1863. Helena was displaced by the Second Republic in 1924 and held the government until the coup of 1935. At the end of the 60s the so-called Regime of Colonels was took power in Greece forcing King Constantine II to recognize them as legitimate. Constantine organized a new coup but when it failed he had to go into exile with his entire family, first to Rome and then to London. He never returned and in 1973 the monarchy was abolished.
Today all members of the greek royal family they live outside of Greece. As they descend from the Danish nobility they carry the title of princes and princesses of Greece and Denmark. The current Queen of Spain, Queen Sofía, is the eldest daughter of King Constantine II's younger sister.
Photo: via The Royal Correspondent