History of Constantine II of Greece

Constantine II of Greece, born on June 2, 1940, in Psychiko, near Athens, was the last reigning monarch of Greece. Although primarily remembered as a monarch, his political involvement is significant, especially in the context of Greece's turbulent mid-20th-century history. Constantine's reign from 1964 to 1973 marked a period of significant political instability in Greece, characterized by his contentious relationship with political leaders and his eventual deposition.

Constantine was born into the Greek royal family during King George II's reign, though the family spent much of World War II in exile due to the Axis occupation of Greece. His early life was a blend of Greek and international influences, and he was educated in Egypt, South Africa, and later, the United Kingdom. He returned to Greece after the war, where he completed his education and joined the armed forces, reflecting a royal tradition of military involvement.

Upon his father's unexpected death in 1964, a 23-year-old Constantine II ascended the throne. At this time, Greece was a constitutional monarchy, and Constantine's leadership required delicate management of constitutional restrictions and his influence over the government. Initially, his reign showed promise as he was a popular figure, celebrated for his youth, charisma, and achievements as an Olympic gold medalist in sailing.

However, his reign coincided with one of Greece's most politically unstable periods. The country was grappling with the Cold War dynamics and a deeply polarized political environment between left-wing and right-wing factions. Constantine's relationship with Greece's politicians, particularly with Prime Minister George Papandreou, was fraught with tension. The core of their conflict revolved around control over the armed forces, a significant power struggle given the military's influence in Greek politics.

In 1965, known as the "Apostasia" or "Royal Coup," Constantine dismissed Papandreou, which was met with public uproar and accusations of royal interference in politics. His decision to appoint successive prime ministers failed to stabilize the government, leading to public unrest and weakened royal legitimacy. This period was characterized by street protests and heightened political divisions.

The political chaos set the stage for a military coup on April 21, 1967. A group of colonels, fearing a communist takeover and frustrated by the political deadlock, seized control of the government, establishing a military junta. Constantine initially accommodated the junta, accepting their authority in a bid to retain his throne. This decision was heavily criticized, damaging his reputation and perceived as a compromise on democratic principles.

Despite his outward compliance, Constantine attempted a counter-coup on December 13, 1967, seeking to overthrow the junta. The attempt failed, forcing him and his family into exile, initially in Rome and later settling in London. In his absence, the junta abolished the monarchy in 1973, a decision ratified by a questionable referendum. A subsequent democratic referendum in 1974, following the fall of the junta and restoration of democracy, confirmed Greece's transition to a republic.

Though Constantine lived in exile, he remained a politically symbolic figure for Greek monarchists and maintained connections with international royal families. He persistently lobbied for the recognition of his status and property rights in Greece, a source of legal and diplomatic disputes. Over time, Constantine's political stance appeared to soften, and he espoused democratic ideals, maintaining that any restoration of the monarchy should result from a democratic choice by the Greek people.

In the post-exile years, the former king's involvement in Greek politics was minimal. The legal battles over his property continued for years, with some resolution in his favor by the European Court of Human Rights in 2000, though he was awarded only a fraction of what he claimed. In 2004, Constantine returned to Greece to attend the Athens Olympics, signaling a more amicable reconciliation with his homeland, although he never re-established any formal political role.

Constantine II's political journey is emblematic of broader themes in 20th-century Greek politics—monarchy's role, military influence, Cold War geopolitics, and the struggle for democratic governance. His legacy is multifaceted, reflecting the challenges of maintaining a constitutional monarchy amidst political turbulence and the struggle for national unity. While his initial years echoed royal traditions of leadership and national pride, his later years signaled a shift towards reconciliation, albeit too late to restore the monarchy.

In summary, Constantine II’s political impact extends beyond his tumultuous reign, influencing Greece’s transition from monarchy to a republic. His life reflects the complexity of navigating royal duties within an evolving political landscape, ultimately confirming the primacy of democratic processes in determining national sovereignty. Despite his contested legacy, Constantine II remains a significant historical figure who witnessed and influenced pivotal moments in modern Greek history.