King Charles’ Absence Felt as Queen Camilla Honors Late Greek King

In a poignant moment for the British Royal Family, Queen Camilla took center stage at a memorial service for King Charles's dear friend, the late King Constantine II of Greece.

This heartfelt ceremony, held on February 27 at St George's Chapel, marked a significant occasion, albeit with a notable absence—King Charles himself.

Currently undergoing cancer treatment, the monarch was unable to attend the service dedicated to his close friend and second cousin.

The memorial gathered not just the British Royals but also members of the Greek Royal Family.

Among those present were Queen Anne-Marie, the widow of King Constantine, and their eldest son, Crown Prince Pavlos.

The atmosphere in the historic 15th-century chapel was heavy with remembrance as attendees paid tribute to a man who had been a significant figure in both British and Greek royal circles.

King Constantine II, who passed away at the age of 82 in January last year, shared a deep bond with King Charles, having been a sailing partner to the late Duke of Edinburgh.

Their friendship was so profound that Charles chose Constantine to be the godfather of his eldest son, Prince William.

Such connections underscore the personal losses felt by Charles during this challenging time.

Ascending the throne at just 23 years old in 1964, Constantine initially enjoyed widespread popularity.

However, his reign took a tumultuous turn when he became embroiled in political conflicts that ultimately led to instability in Greece.

His involvement in the events surrounding the ousting of Prime Minister George Papandreou's government is still remembered as a pivotal moment in Greek history.

The fallout from these political maneuvers resulted in a military coup in 1967, forcing Constantine into exile.

The monarchy was abolished in 1973, and a subsequent referendum in 1974 dashed any hopes he had of reclaiming the throne.

These historical events highlight the complex legacy left behind by Constantine, a legacy intertwined with the fate of his nation.

King Charles's absence from both the memorial service and Constantine's funeral last year has not gone unnoticed.

His commitments, including a meeting with the President of Cyprus, prevented him from being there to honor his friend.

Instead, his sister, the Princess Royal, represented him at the funeral, demonstrating the family's continued support for one another during times of grief.

As he battles cancer, King Charles has sought solace and guidance from his friend, Archimandrite Ephraim, the abbot of the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Vatopedi.

Reports suggest that the abbot has been in contact with Charles since his diagnosis.