Former Greek ruler who was toppled from the throne in a military coup that led to the abolition of the monarchy
a third cousin, and he was a godfather to Prince William. His wife was a Danish princess, the sister of Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II, and his sister Sofía became queen of Spain. Only in Greece was he unrecognised, and he was not allowed tountil 2013, long after the events that had toppled him from the throne after a military coup in 1967 and resulted in the abolition of the monarchy in Greece in 1973.
Constantine was educated at a private high school in Athens, modelled on the same lines as the German educationist Kurt Hahn’s principles at Gordonstoun, and afterwards attended Athens University to study law. A keen sailor, Constantine was a member of Greece’s winning sailing team at the 1960 Rome Olympics – the country’s first gold medal in nearly 50 years.
When elections were finally called in April 1967, the likely re-election of Papandreou was forestalled by an army coup led by colonels. Constantine initiallywith the insurgents. He argued later that he had had no choice as the palace was surrounded by army tanks, but there were also persistent suggestions that he had been urged by the American embassy to do so in order to avoid another radical government.
Nonetheless, when the regime fell following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, to be succeeded by a civilian government, a further referendum was held to determine whether the king should be restored. Constantine was not allowed to return in order to campaign on his own behalf, though he was allowed to broadcast an address from London in which he apologised for his previous errors.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former king of Greece, Constantine II, dies at 82Greece's former king, Constantine II — who was the country's final king — dies, aged 82.
Read more »
Former England and Lions back David Duckham dies aged 76Former England great David Duckham has died aged 76, his former club Coventry have announced
Read more »
King breaks silence with touching message to Kate amid drama over Prince HarryKing Charles has broken his silence to send Kate Middleton a message as the Royal Family is further thrusted into the spotlight following Prince Harry's explosive allegations from his tell-all interviews to promote his memoir Spare.
Read more »
Why the King’s horse racing adviser ‘can’t get enough of Australia’Racing manager John Warren says the annual Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale offers valuable insight into the strength of spending in the industry as buyers snap up horses.
Read more »
Former McDonald’s CEO fined and banned over sex scandalsThe fast food giant was also charged for public disclosure violations by the US regulator, but was spared any penalties.
Read more »