King Charles will be absent from a memorial service today for the late King Constantine II of Greece due to his ongoing cancer treatment. Queen Camilla will represent the British Royal family on his behalf.
Constantine, who died at 82 last year, was a second cousin to Charles and a close friend. He was also the last king of Greece, having ascended the throne in 1964 at the young age of 23. His reign was marked by a period of political turmoil, culminating in a military coup in 1967 that sent him into exile for many years.
Despite his absence from the service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Charles has been in contact with Archimandrite Ephraim, a spiritual advisor close to the Greek Orthodox Church. Ephraim expressed his belief in Charles's recovery, highlighting his "spiritual life."
King Constantine was a complex figure in Greek history. Initially popular, he later lost public support due to his involvement in political events that destabilized the country. While he eventually clashed with the military regime and was forced into exile, a 1974 referendum ended any possibility of his return to the throne.
Though unable to attend the service in person, King Charles remains connected to the memory of his friend and second cousin. The Queen and other royals will be joined by members of the Greek royal family and foreign dignitaries at today's memorial.
(Source: Daily Mail UK)
