It is with great sadness that we announce that the prince has passed away suddenly tonight

Prince was a noted writer and historian, publishing works under his name. He was the last surviving grandson of George I and had ties to the House of Bourbon through his mother’s side.

Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark, a first cousin of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has died at the age of 85. The royal passed away in a hospital in Athens, Greece, as announced on Sunday. He will be buried in the capital on Thursday.

He gained considerable attention for his marriage to Marina Karella in 1965, for which he renounced his right to the Greek throne. The couple has two daughters, Princess Olga of Savoy-Aosta and Princess Alexandra of Greece.

Born as the only child to Prince Christopher and Princess Francoise d’Orleans of France, Prince Michael faced early adversity. His father died at the age of 51 in 1940 following a brief illness, and his mother passed away in 1953, leaving him an orphan at the age of 14.

Prince Michael studied political science in Paris before returning to Greece for his military service. He served in the Hellenic Coast Guard to regain his Greek citizenship.

In a significant historical context, he was the only member of the Greek royal family who remained in the country during the political upheaval of 1967. This period saw the government fall to a right-wing military coup after his nephew, King Constantine, failed in his attempts to overthrow the junta.

Prince Michael’s life was marked by his dedication to history and literature, as well as his commitment to his country and family, even amidst political turmoil. His passing marks the end of an era for the Greek royal lineage.