Fulfilling royal engagements: Camilla, stepping in for King Charles
In a significant moment indicating King Charles's withdrawal from public engagements while he is receiving treatment for cancer, Queen Camilla will represent the royal family at a service in Windsor Castle on Tuesday. The service is a thanksgiving ceremony for the late King Constantine of Greece, an event the King was expected to attend.
Camilla and other family members will be joined by the late King’s widow Queen Anne-Marie, their eldest son Crown Prince Pavlos, other members of the Greek royal family and foreign royals for the UK memorial service in the nave of the 15th century chapel in Berkshire.
The late Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, father of King Charles, had deep connections to Greece. Born on a kitchen table in Corfu, he was baptised in the Greek Orthodox Church. His family's exile following the Greco-Turkish war further strengthened his ties to the country.
King Charles maintained a close relationship with his cousin and sailing partner of Prince Philip, ex-King Constantine II, choosing him as a godfather for son William, now the Prince of Wales.
The former Greek monarch was invited to events and accorded royal honours, reminiscent of his regal status.
Constantine II was also godfather to Prince and Princess of Michael of Kent’s daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston. He died at the age of 82 in January last year, however Charles was unable to attend his funeral in Athens due to commitments including meeting the president of Cyprus, and his sister the Princess Royal represented him at the ceremony.
Queen Camilla's role in leading the royal party underscores the absence of King Charles. Unlike the King's preference for a more simple lifestyle, Queen Camilla has an affinity for the Greek islands.
King Charles often sought solace at the Eastern Orthodox monastery at Mount Athos in North Eastern Greece. Despite occasional pilgrimages accompanied by an entourage and ample luggage, including three visits in the year before his marriage to Camilla. Visits to the monastery have dwindled since then due to the monastery's strict policy, which prohibits women from within 500 meters of the area, which some believe to reflect a somewhat outdated viewpoint.
The royal family's involvement in events related to Greece reflects the enduring connections between Britain and the Mediterranean nation.
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