He was born in Copenhagen, the second son of King Christian IX of Denmark and the brother of Alexandra of Denmark (consort of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom). He began his career in the Danish navy, and was elected King of Greece on March 30, 1863 following the deposition of King Otto.
In 1867 George married the Grand Duchess Olga, a niece of Tsar Alexander II of Russia. He ruled Greece with some success, overseeing the consolidation of Greek rule over Thessaly and Epirus and the putting down of rebellion in Crete. However, following the Balkan War which began in 1912, he was assassinated at Salonika. His son became King Constantine I.
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Preceded by: Otto of Bavaria | Kings of Greece |
Succeeded by: Constantine I |