In a recent announcement, Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark, also known by his pen name Michel De Gres, passed away at the age of 85.

Prince Michael, a well-known historian and author, spent his final moments at a hospital in Athens.

The beloved royal, who had a lineage connected to both the House of Bourbon and the Greek Royal Family, is remembered for his deep love for Greece and his wife, Marina Karella. His funeral is scheduled to take place in Athens later this week.

Born in 1939, Prince Michael’s life was marked by significant upheaval.

He was the only child of Prince Christopher of Greece and Denmark and Princess Francoise d’Orleans of France.

Tragically, his father passed away when Michael was just one year old, and his mother died when he was 14, leaving him orphaned.

Despite these hardships, he developed a deep affection for Greece, a country he would come to serve in the Cavalry-Armoured Corps and where he would eventually gain citizenship.

Prince Michael’s marriage to Marina Karella, a celebrated painter and sculptor, was a central part of his life.

The couple met at a party and quickly fell in love.

Michael recalled being immediately captivated by Marina, describing her as “absolutely charming.” Despite Marina not being a member of the royal family, which required Michael to relinquish his rights to the Greek throne, their love endured.

They were married on February 7, 1965, in a ceremony attended by notable royals.

The prince never regretted giving up his royal status for love, often expressing that it granted him a newfound freedom to pursue his passions.

A Legacy in Literature

After stepping back from royal duties, Prince Michael embraced a career as an author, writing extensively on historical subjects like Ancient Greece and the Ottoman Empire.

His works were celebrated for their depth and insight, making him a respected figure in the literary world.

Reflections on Royal Life

In recent years, Prince Michael shared his thoughts on the challenges faced by working royals, particularly after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

He empathized with King Charles, acknowledging the difficulties of the role and expressing admiration for the dedication shown by the new monarch and Queen Camilla.