Prince William to Miss Memorial Service for King Constantine of Greece, Royal Source Says
Prince William, the Prince of Wales, will not be attending the memorial service for the late King Constantine of Greece due to a personal matter, according to a royal source. The remembrance event was scheduled to take place at Windsor Castle on Tuesday. While the source did not provide further details about the change of plans, it was mentioned that William’s wife, the Princess of Wales, is recovering well after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.
The royal source also revealed that William personally called the family to inform them of his inability to attend the service. This unexpected absence comes at a time when the royal family is already dealing with other health issues. King Charles III, who is also second cousin to King Constantine, is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. The 75-year-old monarch recently shared that he has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support he has received since his cancer diagnosis.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla is leading the family in honoring the last Greek monarch at St. George’s Chapel. Kate, who has been recovering at home and is not expected to resume royal duties until after Easter, is not in attendance either.
The bond between Charles and Constantine was strong, with Charles even choosing his cousin as the godfather of his firstborn son, William. Their relationship dates back to their childhood, and they have maintained a close connection throughout the years.
King Constantine’s life took a dramatic turn in 1967 when a military coup forced him and his family to flee to Rome. The military regime appointed a regent to rule in his absence. Eventually, in 1973, the Greek monarchy was abolished and the country became a republic following a referendum. Constantine accepted this decision after another referendum was conducted by an elected civilian government in 1974.
The memorial service for King Constantine of Greece serves as a poignant reminder of the ties that bind royal families across the world. It is a time for reflection and remembrance, as well as an opportunity to honor the legacy of a monarch who played a significant role in Greek history. While Prince William’s absence may be disappointing to some, it is important to remember that personal matters can sometimes take precedence, even for members of the royal family.