In a poignant gathering at Windsor Castle, Queen Camilla took the helm in leading a touching tribute to the late King Constantine II of Greece, with notable absentees including King Charles, who chose to forgo the memorial service amidst his ongoing health battle.
The somber occasion, held at St George’s Chapel on Tuesday, February 27, saw Queen Camilla at the forefront, surrounded by members of the royal family, as they honored the memory of King Constantine II, a second cousin to King Charles. Buckingham Palace confirmed Queen Camilla's leadership in the service, a role she embraced with dignity and grace.
King Charles' notable absence from the memorial service comes in the wake of his recent cancer diagnosis, which has necessitated a reduction in his public engagements. Despite his absence, the gathering saw an illustrious array of dignitaries, including members of the Greek royal family, among them the late King’s widow, Queen Anne-Marie, and their eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos.
Notably, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were also in attendance, accompanied by Felipe’s parents, former King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia, underscoring the familial ties that bound the late King Constantine II with various European royal households. Queen Sofia of Spain, in particular, shares a direct sibling connection with the late Greek monarch.
King Constantine II, who passed away on January 10, 2023, at the age of 82, had been in ailing health for a number of years. His passing marked the end of an era, having spent nearly half a century residing in North London following the abolition of the Greek monarchy.
As the royal family and dignitaries paid their respects to King Constantine II, the ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds that transcend borders and generations among Europe’s royal elite.
