History of Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark

Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark was not primarily known as a politician but rather as a member of European royalty with a life marked by several dramatic turns, especially due to the turbulent political climate of Greece in the early 20th century. He was born on February 2, 1882, in Athens, Greece, as the fourth son of King George I of Greece and Queen Olga. As a prince of Greece and Denmark, Andrew was part of a web of European royalty, owing to his descent from both Greek and Danish monarchies.

Andrew's early life was steeped in the traditions and duties of royalty. He pursued a military career, joining the Greek army, as was expected of royal males at the time. However, his military career and life would be dramatically affected by the political upheavals and tensions in Greece, which plagued the country through the early 20th century. These political challenges stemmed from national, regional, and international dynamics, with Greece's role in the Balkan Wars and World War I significantly impacting the Greek monarchy and Andrew’s personal standing.

One notable aspect of Andrew's life was his marriage to Princess Alice of Battenberg in 1903. With her, he had five children, one of whom was Prince Philip, the future Duke of Edinburgh and consort to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The marriage linked him further with British royalty, and through his children, his lineage continued to play a significant role in European royal circles.

Prince Andrew's military career saw him rise to the rank of Major General in the Greek army. However, his lack of political and military acumen became apparent during the Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922), particularly during the ill-fated Asia Minor Campaign. The campaign, which aimed to expand Greek territories into areas within modern-day Turkey, ended disastrously with a major defeat for Greece in 1922. Andrew, though not the commander-in-chief, was one of the senior military officials. His actions during this period, along with other military and political leaders, were scrutinized heavily in the aftermath of the war.

The defeat led to a major political and military purge known as the Trial of the Six, but Andrew, despite being arrested, was spared execution primarily due to international intervention, not the least from the British, who were keen to protect the princess consort’s husband. Instead, Andrew was banished from Greece for life. This marked a significant moment in his life, as Greece's volatile political situation had left the prince in personal and professional turmoil. Andrew and his family fled to France, marking the beginning of a life in exile.

Despite these tumultuous events, Prince Andrew did not engage deeply in politics again, partly due to his disenchantment with the military and political establishment and partly because of his eventual health deterioration. His later life was marred by a shift from any political associations to personal difficulties, including financial instability and health challenges. He spent much of his time in a form of internal exile, living quietly in France and engaging in writing, especially on military topics, given his background and experiences.

Unfortunately, Andrew’s later years were characterized by significant upheavals in his personal life. After the collapse of the monarchy in Greece came yet more financial instability, driving him further into obscurity. His marriage, which had endured many trials, faced severe strain, with his wife Alice suffering from schizophrenia, which led to a period of institutionalization.

Prince Andrew’s death on December 3, 1944, in Monte Carlo, was quiet. His life, though not marked by prominent political leadership, had unwittingly intersected with significant historical events and figures. His legacy was perhaps more palpably felt through his offspring, especially Prince Philip, whose marriage into the British royal family underscored Prince Andrew's indirect influence on European aristocratic networks.

In summary, while Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark is not remembered as a politician in the conventional sense, his life was profoundly shaped by the political forces of his time. His military involvement, subsequent exile, and familial connections with prominent European royal families underscore the often complex lives of royals whose roles were as much due to their personal actions as they were to the turbulent political landscapes surrounding them. His story reflects the dramatic changes in Europe during his lifetime, marked by wars, shifting allegiances, and dynastic challenges, resonating with broader narratives of early 20th-century European history.