Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark – Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh’s first cousin – has died at the age of 85.

The royal was pronounced dead at a hospital in the Greek capital of Athens, it was announced on Sunday.

He will be buried in the capital on Thursday.

Prince Michael was a renowned writer and historian under the name Michel De Gres and was the last remaining grandson of George

I, with a lineage to the House of Bourbon through his mother’s side of the family.

The royal was well known for his marriage to Marina Karella, for whom he renounced his right to the Greek throne to marry in 1965.

He is survived by his wife and their two daughters, Princess Olga of Savoy-Aosta and Princess Alexandra of Greece.

Prince Michael was the only child of Prince Christopher and the royal’s second wife, Princess Francoise d’Oleans of France.

His father died at just 51 in 1940 after suffering from a short illness before his mother died in 1953, leaving the royal an orphan by the time he was 14.

He studied political science in Paris before repatriating to Greece for military duty, where he served a term in the Hellenic Coast Guard in order to regain Greek citizenship.

He was the only member of the Greek royal family to remain in the country in 1967 when the government fell to a right-wing military coup after his nephew

King Constantine failed in his attempts to overthrow the junta.

The passing of Prince Michael has left a void in the royal family and in the hearts of those who knew him. His contributions to the literary and historical world will long be remembered, and his dedication to his family and country will not be forgotten.

Prince Michael’s decision to renounce his right to the Greek throne in order to marry the love of his life, Marina Karella, was a testament to his commitment to his family and to love. Their union produced two daughters, Princess Olga of Savoy-Aosta and Princess Alexandra of Greece, who will carry on his legacy with grace and dignity.

Despite the hardships he faced as a young man, losing both of his parents at a young age, Prince Michael persevered and went on to lead a life of service to his country. His time in the Hellenic Coast Guard and his efforts to regain Greek citizenship are a testament to his dedication to his homeland.

Throughout his life, Prince Michael remained steadfast in his beliefs and his loyalty to Greece, even during times of political turmoil. His decision to stay in Greece during the military coup of 1967 showed his unwavering commitment to his country and his family.

As we mourn the loss of Prince Michael, we also celebrate his life and his accomplishments. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his contributions to the world will continue to inspire future generations.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May Prince Michael rest in peace, knowing that he made a lasting impact on the world around him.