Royal Guests and Relatives from around Europe joined the Greek Royal Family to celebrate the Wedding of Prince Michael of Greece and Marina Karella at the Royal Palace of Athens on this day in 1965, 60 years ago, which was the last Royal Wedding in Greece during the Monarchy.
Prince Michael of Greece, the only son of the late Prince Christopher of Greece and Denmark and Princess Francoise of Orleans, married Greek Artist Marina Karella in the Throne Room of the Royal Palace of Athens, before all the Royal Guests and Relatives joined the couple on the steps of the Royal Palace. Prince Michael, one of the few adult members of the Greek Royal Family at the time, renounced the succession rights for himself and his descendants to marry Greek artist and sculptor Marina Karella.
‘It was love at first sight, and it has never, ever changed’. The choice to relinquish the inheritance gave me a sense of freedom’
Princess Michael wore a Diamond Floral Tiara from her own family.
King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece (in the Greek Ruby Parure)
Queen Frederica of Greece (wearing her Pearl Necklace with her Cartier Sapphire Pendant)
My wedding, February 1965 at the Royal Palace of Athens. A large sitting room was transformed into a chapel. I am accompanied by my aunt Queen Friederike of Greece wearing the famous sapphire of Queen Maria of Romania. Originally Queen Victoria-Eugénie wanted the necklace, hoping her husband King Alfonso would buy it for her. Fortunately for Queen Marie the King of Spain said no. However, King Ferdinand of Romania purchased the necklace for his consort in 1921 on an installment plan, paying around 1,375,000 francs in total. It eventually found its way to my aunt, given to her as a gift by a wealthy Greek citizen.
Princess Irene of Greece (in her Diamond Circle Necklace) and Princess Alice of Greece
At my wedding in 1965, entering the throne room of the Royal Palace of Athens transformed for the occasion into a chapel, Princess Irene of Greece and my Aunt Alice, mother of Prince Philip, two remarkable women, each in their own way, for whom I have great affection and esteem.
Princess Katherine of Greece (cousin)
The Count (uncle) and Countess of Paris (aunt)
Alix, Princess Napoléon
Princess Anne, Duchess of Aosta (aunt)
Princess Margherita of Savoy, Archduchess of Austria-Este (cousin)
Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy
Princess Diane of Orléans, Duchess of Württemberg (cousin)
Princess Maria Cristina of Savoy-Aosta (cousin)
