King Paul

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King Paul of Greece

Paul, King of the Hellenes (Greek Παύλος, Βασιλεύς των Ελλήνων December 14, 1901 - March 6, 1964), was King of Greece from 1947 to 1964. He succeeded his brother, George II, as king during a civil war between Greek Communists and supporters of the monarchy.

Paul was born in Athens, and was trained as a naval officer.

From 1917 to 1920, Paul lived in exile with his father, Constantine I. From 1923 to 1935 and from 1941 to 1946, he lived in exile again, this time with his brother, George II.

During most of World War II, when Greece was under German occupation, Paul was with the Greek government-in-exile in London and Cairo. From Cairo, he broadcast messages to the Greek people.

Reign: 1947-1964

He returned to Greece in 1946 and succeeded to the throne on April 1, 1947, on the sudden death of his brother, George II. His reign was rather eventful as Greece joined NATO in 1949, the Greek Civil War came to an end that same year, the EOKA struggle broke out in Cyprus on April 1, 1955 and the riots against the Greeks in Istanbul broke out in September of that same year. His death took place during the Cyprus crisis of 1963-1964.

Family

Paul was married on January 9, 1938, to Frederica of Hanover They had three children:

  1. Queen Sofia of Spain
  2. King Constantine II of the Hellenes
  3. Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark


Preceded by:
King George II
Royal COA of Greek Kingdom.png
King of the Hellenes

19471964
Succeeded by:
King Constantine II