Athens, February 24, 2026 – In a wide-ranging interview aired on ANT1’s “Enopios Enopio” with journalist Nikos Chatzinikolaou on February 12, 2026, Pavlos de Grèce – the eldest son of the late former King Constantine II and former Crown Prince – spoke candidly about his recent return to Greece as a citizen, his interest in politics, family life, and his desire to contribute to society without seeking a return to the monarchy or immediate political office.
Pavlos, who along with his family regained Greek citizenship in late 2024 and adopted the surname “de Grèce” (French for “of Greece”), emphasized his commitment to the Republic. “We are in 2026, democracy continues strong, and there is no question of returning to the monarchy at all,” he stated firmly. He described himself as “a Greek who grew up abroad and has returned,” adding, “I have obtained citizenship and I live with you under my own name. I want to be useful to my country; I am not asking to do anything different.”
When asked if he might follow the example of Bulgaria’s former King Simeon, who founded a party and became prime minister after exile, Pavlos replied ambiguously: “A lot goes through my mind.” He clarified, however, “I am very interested in politics… Politics is an art that solves the problems of a society. I studied international relations in America, but I am not a politician.” He stressed his focus on helping society through non-partisan means, such as bridging Greeks in the diaspora with those in Greece.
Pavlos highlighted an idea to create an organization to connect the diaspora – noting “the 500,000 who are leaving” and “the 10 million who live outside the country” – to boost productivity and national strength. He expressed particular passion for supporting youth and addressing everyday challenges, praising Greece’s economic progress while acknowledging ongoing issues like cost of living: “The economy is doing better, but there are problems in everyday life… If you can’t put food on the table or pay rent, you don’t feel secure.”
On institutions and trust, he said: “When the state protects the institutions – meritocracy, transparency, security, and justice – then they can work with any government.” He referenced immigration positively, citing NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo as an example of successful integration: “If I were head of state, I would have awarded his mother because she raised him Greek. This is the immigrant we want.”
Regarding his surname, Pavlos defended it as a family tradition used by his uncle Michael in France as a writer, with no implication of titles. “We were princes without a surname for many years, and it was very difficult,” he noted.
On a personal note, the 58-year-old – married to Marie-Chantal for 30 years and father to five children – shared how they met at a party in New Orleans and joked about her insistence on five children (versus his initial three). “They really liked returning to Greece… We made a beloved home,” he said of his family.
Public reaction to a potential political role for Pavlos remains mixed, with recent polls showing limited support for any new initiative tied to him. He positioned his involvement as civic service rather than partisan ambition, underscoring loyalty to the current democratic system.
The full interview is available on the ANT1 website and has sparked discussions across Greek media about the role of the former royal family in modern Greece.
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