The De Grèce family has a unique ability to spark heated public debate, whether through their actions—or even their inaction. This was spectacularly demonstrated once again in a recent controversy, ignited by Eastern Mani Mayor Petros Andreakos referring to Pavlos De Grèce as “prince.”

The issue emerged during the March 17th anniversary celebrations in Areopoli, commemorating the 1821 Greek Revolution. However, this time, the storm surrounding the former royal family unfolded in three distinct parts.

“A Threat to Power”

One facet of the controversy stems from an unexpected legal challenge. Law professor Panagiotis Lazaratos has filed an appeal with Greece’s highest administrative court, the Council of State, seeking to annul the surname ” De Grèce” as well as the family’s Greek citizenship. Lazaratos argues that using “de Greece” is unconstitutional, as it creates an unfair distinction between them and other Greek citizens.

His legal action is rooted in the concern that the former royal family could attempt to “usurp power in Greece, either through the deposed king or his descendants”—despite King Constantine passing away in January 2023. The professor contends that their allegedly unlawful citizenship grants them voting rights, allowing them to influence election outcomes and ultimately distort the principle of popular sovereignty.

The Battle Over Titles

The second dimension of the controversy revolves around how Pavlos was addressed during the celebrations. Not only did Mayor Andreakos use “prince,” but Metropolitan Chrysostomos III and other local officials also referred to him as “Your Highness.” This triggered a political uproar, with critics accusing the mayor of reviving monarchical rhetoric.

Some saw this as mere political theater, while others perceived it as a sign that Mani had symbolically “crowned” Pavlos, transforming itself into a quasi-independent kingdom.

“Titles Never Die”

During his speech, Mayor Andreakos defended his choice of words, stating:
“I believe that titles never die and follow a person throughout their life. And with that, I welcome Prince Pavlos.”

His remarks sparked immediate backlash. Opposition parties, including PASOK, criticized the government for not preventing the use of royal titles, arguing that Pavlos had willingly accepted the designation rather than rejecting it in accordance with the law governing his citizenship.

Even far-right politician Aphrodite Latinopoulou weighed in, dismissing the incident as insignificant and accusing the government of overreacting. She defended the mayor, arguing that Greece’s democracy is too strong to be threatened by a mere title.

“I Am Just a Citizen”

Amid the escalating controversy, Pavlos De Grèce finally addressed the matter. While he did not rebuke those who called him “prince,” he made a brief statement to clarify his stance:
“My name is Pavlos De Grèce. I don’t want to say anything more. How someone chooses to address me is their own business. My name is clear—I am just a citizen.”

His response did little to quell the debate, as political figures and legal experts continue to dispute whether the use of royal titles holds any real significance in modern Greece.