As Greece is currently a parliamentary republic, there will not be a new king in the traditional sense. However, following the passing of Constantine II, who was the last King of the Hellenes before the monarchy was abolished, his eldest son, Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece, is recognized as the head of the former Greek royal family.
Pavlos: Head of the Former Royal House
Upon the death of his father, Constantine II, on January 10, 2023, Pavlos effectively became the claimant to the defunct Greek throne and the new head of the former Greek royal house. While this carries no official constitutional role in the modern Hellenic Republic, he is considered the successor in terms of dynastic lineage.
Here are some key details regarding Pavlos:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tenure | January 10, 2023 – present (as head of former royal house) |
| Predecessor | Constantine II |
| Heir Apparent | Constantine-Alexios |
| Born | May 20, 1967, Tatoi Palace, Athens, Kingdom of Greece |
Pavlos was born in the Tatoi Palace, Athens, when Greece was still a kingdom. His position as Crown Prince and now as head of the former royal family signifies his place in a historical line of succession.
Historical Context of the Greek Monarchy
The monarchy in Greece has a complex history, marked by several periods of abolition and restoration. The Greek monarchy was definitively abolished on June 1, 1973, when the ruling military junta proclaimed a republic. This was later confirmed by a referendum held on December 8, 1974, after the fall of the junta, where 69.18% of the population voted against the restoration of the monarchy. Since then, Greece has been a stable parliamentary republic.
Therefore, while Pavlos holds the dynastic title and position within the former royal family, there will be no "new king of Greece" recognized by the state, as the country operates under a republican system of government.
