Constantine went into exile in 1967, after a failed attempt to overthrow the military dictatorship that had seized power following instability that had resulted from the King's clash with his prime minister, George Papandreou. The monarchy continued in his absence under regents. In 1973, the military regime 'abolished' the monarchy and declared a republic. In 1974, the new democratic regime under Constantine Karamanlis held a second democratic referendum, which confirmed the monarchy's abolition, with the monarchy receiving only one third of all votes cast. Many Greek people and most Greek politicians blamed Constantine II for the chaos that had led to the coup. Greek Prime Minister (under both King Paul and the Republic, as well as future President of the Hellenic Republic) Constantine Karamanlis dismissively described Constantine as '(King) Paul's naughty little boy.'
In 1964 King Constantine married Queen Anne-Marie, born Princess of Denmark, and sister of the current Danish Queen, Margrethe II. His heir, should the throne ever be restored, is Crown Prince Pavlos. Constantine II's sister, Sophia, is married to King Juan Carlos of Spain.
Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie live in exile in London, where the exiled monarch is a close friend of The Prince of Wales and a godfather to Prince William of Wales.
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Preceded by: Paul | Kings of Greece |
Monarchy abolished - replaced by President of the Hellenic Republic |