Several members of the Greek royal family have applied for citizenship of the country – thirty years after they lost their claim to nationality.

The Greek Interior Ministry confirmed that relations of Constantine II, the last man to rule Greece as king, have asked to become citizens of the country.

It’s understood that Constantine’s eldest son, Pavlos, who was born as Crown Prince of Greece and who was in line to reign until the monarchy was abolished in the 1970s, is among those whose application for citizenship is now with the ministry.

To be considered as a citizen of Greece, Pavlos must follow the same rules as everyone else and acknowledge the country’s republican government. He must also take a surname – it’s reported that he and the other members of his family have chosen a French name, de Grece, meaning ‘of Greece’.

Constantine II and his wife, Queen Anne-Marie, had five children and it’s reported that the two brothers and two sisters of Pavlos have also applied. Five of Constantine and Anne-Marie’s grandchildren are also understood to have asked to become Greek citizens.

The family lost their citizenship in 1994 when they were still living in exile. At the time, Constantine was involved in a dispute with the Greek government over ownership of royal properties. He had also been asked to renounce all rights to the throne for him and his descendants, something he refused to do.

Constantine II died in 2023 but his heir, Pavlos, has never claimed the title of king and remains known as Crown Prince which was the title he was given at birth, before the Greek monarchy was abolished.

Interior Ministry official, Athanasios Balerpas, said the move to gain citizenship ”closes an account from the past and we can now look forward as a people.”