Greece is home to Pavlos, son of the former King Constantine, who, along with his brother Nikolaos and other family members, filed an application to regain Greek citizenship at the Athens Registry Office, stating that he chooses the surname De Grece.

“The issue of Greek citizenship is moving forward on its own and it is not over yet,” Pavlos told ANT1 from his home in Irodou Atticus. He also mentioned his plans for the coming days. “I will stay a few days in Greece and then I will go back to England,” he said.

The request was made by ten members of the former royal family, namely the five children of Constantine, the children of Paul and Alexia.

In the petition, by law, all members must declare respect for the Constitution and that they accept the result of the 1974 referendum that ended the kingship in Greece.

Personal name option

So far, members of the former royal family have not had a Greek passport or identity card, as they are not registered in the Citizens’ Register.

Speaking to ERT, Interior Ministry Secretary Thanasis Balerbas said Pavlos and Nikolaos wished to regain Greek citizenship, and so far they have Danish passports.

Regarding the recognition of Greek citizenship for members of the former royal family, Balerbas said that this “does not constitute a grant or an attribution, but is done through a specific procedure.”

The application submitted to the Athens Registry Office will be forwarded to the Interior Minister, who is examining whether the requirements are met.