CONSTANTINE II

KING CONSTANTINE II OF GREECE

This collection explores the life and legacy of Constantine II of Greece, the last reigning monarch of Greece, whose reign saw the end of the Greek monarchy amid political turmoil and social transformation. Through rare documents, decrees, edicts, manuscripts, cabinet cards, photos, and personal letters, these artifacts offer a unique perspective on a king who faced immense challenges during a time of national upheaval. For historians and collectors, these pieces capture the final chapter of Greece’s monarchy and Constantine’s enduring role in Greek history.

Constantine II ascended to the throne in 1964 during a period of intense political instability. Initially popular as a young and athletic king, his reign was soon marred by a controversial attempt to counter a military coup in 1967, which ultimately failed and led to his exile. Following the establishment of a military junta, Constantine remained abroad while Greece shifted away from the monarchy. In 1974, a national referendum formally abolished the monarchy, ending Constantine’s reign in absentia and marking the beginning of Greece’s modern republican era.

Constantine II’s legacy is one of both loyalty and resilience. While he spent much of his life in exile, he maintained a connection to Greece and continued to represent the values of the Greek royal family. His life reflects the complex nature of monarchy in a modern, changing society, and his story remains an important part of Greece’s political and cultural heritage.