The Royal Connection: How Greece and Denmark Share the Same Royal Family

The shared royal lineage between Greece and Denmark is a result of historical dynastic marriages and political alliances. This article explores how the House of Glücksburg, a branch of the Danish royal family, established the current Greek royal family, the House of Glüxiesburg, and continues to maintain a strong connection to the Danish royal family today.

House of Glücksburg: A Danish Origin

The House of Glücksburg has its roots in Denmark. In the 19th century, the Greek throne became vacant after the deposition of King Otto, and the Great Powers of Britain, France, and Russia decided to establish a new monarchy in Greece. In 1863, Prince Wilhelm of Denmark was elected as King George I of Greece, marking a significant connection between the two royal families.

A Historic Shift in Monarchies

Christian IX: Christian IX reigned as King of Denmark from 1863 to 1906. Although he lost the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg to the Kingdom of Prussia and the Empire of Austria, he was a prominent figure in the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. One of his sons, Prince George, was chosen by the Greek National Assembly to become King George I of Greece in 1863, just a year after Christian IX ascended to the Danish throne.

The Birth of a New Greek Dynasty

Princess George: At the tender age of 17, Prince George of Denmark was elected as the new King of Greece. His ascension to the throne marked the beginning of a new Greek dynasty from the House of Glücksburg. As the children of George I, his descendants, including former King Constantine II of Greece and his family, continue to bear the title Prince of Greece and Denmark.

Lineage and Titles

Descendants of George I, particularly male-line descendants, continue to hold the title of Prince of Greece and Denmark. One notable member of this noble family is Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who was born as Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. Despite the overthrow of the Greek monarchy in 1974, the House of Glücksburg maintains its lineage and titles. These titles are used unofficially by the Greek royal family, who currently reside in the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Future of the Royal Family

Today, the Greek royal family primarily consists of descendants of King George I. Crown Prince Pavlos is the current head of the family. If Greece were to restore its monarchy, it is likely that the Hellenic head of state would be chosen from among Pavlos or his descendants. The continuity of the House of Glücksburg remains an important part of both Greek and Danish royal history.

Conclusion

The shared royal family connection between Greece and Denmark is a testament to historical dynastic marriages and alliances. The House of Glücksburg, a branch of the Danish royal family, established the current Greek royal family and continues to maintain a significant connection with the Danish royal lineage. This historical bond is a unique aspect of European royalty that has endured through the years.