Society Ex-Royal Pavlos must not be called "of Greece"
There is no longer a monarchy in Greece - and aristocratic titles are not recognized either. The question now arises as to what the future surname of the former crown prince Pavlos might be.
19.12.2024, 05:04
SDA
Curious, but a fact: His Royal Highness Crown Prince Pavlos (Paul) of Greece and Prince of Denmark from the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg has no Greek citizenship - and no surname in Greece either. Now the 57-year-old son of the former Greek King Constantine II wants to apply for both.
The Greek tabloid media are eagerly awaiting the appointment at the registry office on Friday. With his wish to be called "Pavlos of Greece", the royal applicant is likely to fall foul of the constitution. The question is what alternative name he proposes.
Citizenship revoked by law
The reason why Pavlos has many surnames, but not the one he wants, lies in history. After the abolition of the monarchy in Greece in 1974, Constantine II went into exile with his wife Anne-Marie of Denmark and their children. From then on, the ex-royals were no longer issued Greek passports - and their citizenship was even officially revoked by law in 1994.
Instead, according to the law, Pavlos must now fulfill three conditions in order to be allowed to be Greek again: He must declare his allegiance to the constitution, renounce any claims to former family property and also provide a surname along with all the necessary personal details.
Nobility abolished
It stands to reason that he would like to be called "of Greece", as they call him abroad. But with the abolition of the monarchy, the Greeks also abolished the nobility. "Titles of nobility shall not be conferred or recognized on Greek citizens", states Article 4 of the constitution, which deals with the equality of people.
In various interviews, Pavlos has both defended himself and signaled a concession. "I have a surname - "of Greece". Why should I change it?" he said on the one hand. His name and nationality had been taken away from him, he criticized.
In another interview, Pavlos emphasized that the name is not so important, but the nationality is very important. "Greece flows through my veins. I am Greek, and nobody can deny that."
In any case, there is no shortage of alternative suggestions - they are discussed extensively in Greek tabloids and social media. He could take inspiration from existing surnames and call himself Pavlos Vassilias (Paul King), Pavlos Prinkipas (Paul Prince) or even Pavlos Ellinas (Paul Greek), according to some. Even Pavlos Vassilopoulos - Paul Königssohn - would be possible and appropriate. A popular Greek supermarket chain bears this name - and Pavlos is undoubtedly the son of a former king.
The interior minister has the last word
However, it is rumored that Pavlos could be trying some kind of trick. According to the newspaper "To Proto Thema", the decision for the surname in the family has already been made: "de Grecia". This variant, which is used in Madrid because of the relationship to the royal family, can also be found in Pavlos' Danish passport.
The retired Spanish Queen Sofia is his aunt. If the surname "de Grecia" appears in the application, it will be exciting. Because the literal translation from Spanish would once again be "of Greece". Will Pavlos get away with it? The Greek interior minister will have to make the final decision - which would turn the confusion of names into a political issue.
