As the world marks a century since the birth of Princess Alexandra of Greece, a fascinating chapter in the history of European royalty unfolds. Born in 1924, Princess Alexandra's life was marked by the tumultuous events that shaped the continent during the early 20th century. Her story is intertwined with the fate of her family, who were forced into exile following the overthrow of the monarchy in Greece.
Princess Alexandra's early years were spent in Italy, where she lived with her mother, Princess Aspasia, and her grandmother, Queen Dowager Sophia. The family's journey took them to the United Kingdom and eventually to the United States, where Princess Alexandra would grow up to marry King Peter II of Yugoslavia and become the queen of the country. Her life was marked by tragedy, including the death of her husband, King Peter II, and the eventual collapse of the monarchy in Yugoslavia. Despite these challenges, Princess Alexandra's legacy continues to captivate historians and royal enthusiasts alike.
what is the significance of princess alexandra of greece in history
Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark holds significant historical importance due to her role as the queen consort of Yugoslavia, her experiences during World War II, and her connections to the Greek royal family. Born in 1921, Princess Alexandra was the daughter of Princess Aspasia and the granddaughter of Queen Dowager Sophia, who played a crucial role in her life and the lives of her family members. Her early years were marked by the tumultuous events surrounding the Greek monarchy, including the overthrow of her family in 1924 and their subsequent exile. This led to her living in various countries, including Italy, the United Kingdom, and Egypt, before eventually settling in the United States with her husband, King Peter II of Yugoslavia. Princess Alexandra's marriage to King Peter II was significant because it united two royal families and brought together two nations that had been at odds historically. Her husband was the youngest ruler in Europe when he became king at the age of 11 after his father's assassination in 1934. The couple's marriage was marked by tragedy, including the death of King Peter II in a tragic accident, and the eventual collapse of the monarchy in Yugoslavia. Princess Alexandra's life also highlights the challenges faced by women in positions of power during times of war and political upheaval. Her experiences, including her struggles with depression and her attempts to cope with the loss of her husband and the collapse of her kingdom, offer a glimpse into the personal costs of being a royal figure during times of turmoil. In summary, Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark is significant in history due to her role as queen consort of Yugoslavia, her experiences during World War II, and her connections to the Greek royal family. Her life serves as a testament to the challenges faced by women in positions of power during times of war and political upheaval, and her story continues to captivate historians and royal enthusiasts alike.what was princess alexandra of greece's relationship with her mother, princess aspasia of greece
Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark had a close relationship with her mother, Princess Aspasia of Greece. Born out of wedlock, Princess Alexandra was the only child of King Alexander I of the Hellenes and Princess Aspasia, who married secretly in 1919. The couple's marriage was not recognized by the Greek government, and Princess Alexandra was initially considered illegitimate. However, a law passed in July 1922 allowed the new King, Princess Alexandra's grandfather King Constantine I, to recognize the validity of marriages members of the Royal Family contract without the Royal Assent. This made Princess Alexandra legitimate and granted her the title of Princess, although without the right of succession. Princess Aspasia and Princess Alexandra lived together in exile, first in Italy and later in the United Kingdom, after the overthrow of the Greek monarchy in 1924. During this time, Princess Aspasia played a significant role in her daughter's life, supporting her through the challenges of being a royal figure in exile. Princess Alexandra eventually married King Peter II of Yugoslavia in 1944, and Princess Aspasia became a grandmother with the birth of Crown Prince Alexander in 1945. Princess Aspasia's relationship with her daughter was marked by love and devotion, as evident from the fact that she remained close to Princess Alexandra throughout her life, even after her daughter's marriage and the birth of her grandchildren. Princess Aspasia's death in 1972 was followed by the reinterment of her remains in the Greek Royal Cemetery at Tatoi Palace, where she was buried alongside her daughter Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia in 1993.did princess alexandra of greece have a close relationship with her mother, princess aspasia of greece
Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark had a close relationship with her mother, Princess Aspasia of Greece. Born out of wedlock, Princess Alexandra was the only child of King Alexander I of the Hellenes and Princess Aspasia, who married secretly in 1919. The couple's marriage was not recognized by the Greek government, and Princess Alexandra was initially considered illegitimate. However, a law passed in July 1922 allowed the new King, Princess Alexandra's grandfather King Constantine I, to recognize the validity of marriages members of the Royal Family contract without the Royal Assent. This made Princess Alexandra legitimate and granted her the title of Princess, although without the right of succession. Princess Aspasia and Princess Alexandra lived together in exile, first in Italy and later in the United Kingdom, after the overthrow of the Greek monarchy in 1924. During this time, Princess Aspasia played a significant role in her daughter's life, supporting her through the challenges of being a royal figure in exile. Princess Alexandra eventually married King Peter II of Yugoslavia in 1944, and Princess Aspasia became a grandmother with the birth of Crown Prince Alexander in 1945. Princess Aspasia's relationship with her daughter was marked by love and devotion, as evident from the fact that she remained close to Princess Alexandra throughout her life, even after her daughter's marriage and the birth of her grandchildren. Princess Aspasia's death in 1972 was followed by the reinterment of her remains in the Greek Royal Cemetery at Tatoi Palace, where she was buried alongside her daughter Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia in 1993. |
| Queen Sophia of Greece with her granddaughter Alexandra, April 1921. |
On 25 March 1921, Aspasia Manos gave birth to a daughter at Athens. The infant was named Alexandra. Her father, the late King Alexander I of the Hellenes, had died on 25 October 1920.
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| A lithograph of King Alexander I of the Hellenes and Aspasia Manos, circa 1918. |
In 1915, Prince Alexander of Greece, son of King Constantine I of the Hellenes and his wife Queen Sophia (born Princess of Prussia), met Aspasia Manos, daughter of Colonel Petros Manos and his first wife Maria Argyropoulos. After a time, the couple became secretly engaged. This was necessary owing to the fact that the Greek royal family expected its members to marry other royals: this was a check mark that Mademoiselle Manos did not tick. In 1917, Alexander was compelled to become the King of the Hellenes after his father King Constantine was forced off the throne and his older brother Crown Prince George was not considered malleable by the then Greek government. Save for the new king, the entire Greek royal family was forced to go into exile. Aspasia was Alexander's sole support on the home front. The couple secretly married on 17 November 1919.
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| Aspasia Manos and King Alexander I of the Hellenes. Photograph (c) Alamy. |
Alexander and Aspasia were just shy of marking their first wedding anniversary when the king died as the result of a tragic accident. Aspasia was four months pregnant when her husband passed away. Five months after Alexander's death, Aspasia gave birth to their only child, who was named Alexandra in honour of her father. Alexandra's grandfather King Constantine I and her great-grandmother Queen Dowager Olga served as her godfather and godmother. In July 1922, Alexandra was retroactively recognised as Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark, albeit with the caveat that she was not to be considered a Greek dynast. In September 1922, Alexandra's mother Aspasia was also given the style and title Her Royal Highness Princess Aspasia of Greece and Denmark.
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| Princess Aspasia and her daughter Princess Alexandra. |
After the overthrow of monarchy in 1924, Princess Aspasia and her daughter Alexandra followed the royal family into exile. For a period, mother and daughter lived in Fiesole, Italy, with Alexandra's grandmother Queen Dowager Sophia, who was very fond of her granddaughter. In 1927, Aspasia and Alexandra briefly relocated to the United Kingdom, and then returned to Italy after Aspasia purchased the villa The Garden of Eden in Venice. Aspasia and Alexandra remained in Venice until the outbreak of the Greco-Italian War in 1940, which necessitated the princesses leaving Fascist Italy, the enemy of their homeland. After periods in Egypt and South Africa, Aspasia and Alexandra moved to the United Kingdom.
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| King Peter II and Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia with their son Crown Prince Alexander. |
In 1942, Princess Alexandra of Greece and Denmark met King Peter II of Yugoslavia in London. Two years later, the couple were married in the British capital with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth as guests. In 1945, King Peter and Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia welcomed the arrival of their only child, Crown Prince Alexander.
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| The last King and Queen of Yugoslavia, Paris, 1967. |
King Peter II of Yugoslavia died in 1970, aged only forty-seven. For much of her life, Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia suffered from mental health difficulties; she was ably looked after by her mother Princess Aspasia, who passed away in 1972. Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia's health remained precarious. She spent her later years in a British nursing home. On 30 January 1993, Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia passed away at Burgess Hill, West Sussex. Alexandra was seventy-one years-old. The queen was survived by her son Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia and her three grandsons.
As we conclude our journey through the life of Princess Alexandra of Greece, we are reminded of the significant impact she had on the world. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who have faced adversity and overcome it. From her early years in exile to her marriage and eventual reign as Queen of Yugoslavia, Princess Alexandra's life was marked by challenges and triumphs. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate us, serving as a reminder of the power of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.
As we reflect on Princess Alexandra's life, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our history and honoring the memories of those who have shaped our world. Her story is a valuable lesson in the importance of understanding and respecting the complexities of historical events and the individuals who lived through them. We hope that this article has provided a meaningful glimpse into the life of Princess Alexandra of Greece and has inspired you to learn more about her and her remarkable story. We wish you a continued exploration of the fascinating world of European history and the remarkable individuals who have shaped it.
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