In recent years, the presence of the de Grece family—formerly known as the Greek royal family—has become increasingly visible in Greek public life.
From glamorous social events to media coverage of their private lives, the de Greces are no longer relics of a bygone era but active participants in modern Greek society. This shift is not just a curiosity; it reflects Greece’s growing confidence as a democracy that has reconciled with its past without resentment or historical hang-ups.
Greece has come a long way from the days when the monarchy was a polarizing force, a symbol of division and foreign interference.
Today, the country treats its former royals with a generosity and respect that would have been unthinkable decades ago. The restoration of the Tatoi Palace, the burial of King Constantine II with the honors befitting a former head of state, and the use of the family’s Greek surname, “de Grece,” instead of the dismissive “former king” or “Glücksburg,” all point to a nation that has made peace with its history.
This is not unique to Greece.
Across Europe, democracies have long since moved past their historical complexes. In France, the Palace of Versailles is now a tourist attraction and conference venue, while streets and squares named after kings remain part of the urban landscape. Spain, despite its bloody history under Franco, only recently removed statues of the dictator. These countries understand that democracy is not about erasing history but about embracing it with maturity and self-awareness.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis deserves credit for facilitating this historical detoxification. Under his leadership, Greece has achieved a velvet transition, leaving behind the toxic legacies of the civil war and the ideological battles that once defined the nation’s politics. The de Greces, once seen as foreign interlopers, are now treated as Greek citizens—almost like the rest of us.
But why this sudden fascination with the de Greces?
Part of it is their undeniable glamour. They are a family of blue-blooded, cosmopolitan individuals who bring a touch of international sophistication to a country that often feels like a small province. Their weddings, divorces, and baptisms have become regular features in the gossip columns, while their appearances at Athens’ top restaurants and nightclubs draw crowds and cameras. Prince Pavlos, for instance, has been spotted dancing the zeibekiko with a glass on his head at a popular nightclub, earning cheers and flowers from the audience. Even his decision to send his eldest son to serve in the Greek army has been celebrated as a sign of the family’s integration into Greek society.
And yet, their presence raises questions.
Are the de Greces simply enjoying their newfound acceptance, or do they have political or business ambitions in Greece?
Some, like PASOK’s spokesperson, have warned of the potential for a new constitutional crisis if members of the family were to enter politics. But such concerns seem exaggerated. The de Greces are more likely here to offer a bit of royal spectacle to a nation that has long lacked it.
In the end, their return is a testament to Greece’s democratic maturity.
We no longer see the monarchy as a threat or a source of division. Instead, we can appreciate the de Greces for what they are: a fascinating part of our history and a colorful addition to our present. Let’s enjoy the show—without historical guilt or political paranoia. After all, a confident democracy is one that can embrace its past while looking firmly toward the future.
By Sofia Giannaka