Arrival of King George I: What Happened
In October 1863, the 17-year-old Prince William of Denmark arrived in Athens to become King George I of the Hellenes. After Otto's overthrow, the Greeks had held a referendum in which Britain's Prince Alfred, son of Queen Victoria, won an overwhelming majority, but the great powers had agreed that none of their royal families would take the throne. After several other candidates declined, Britain proposed William, second son of the future King Christian IX of Denmark. The Greek National Assembly elected him in March 1863. His title, King of the Hellenes rather than King of Greece, suggested he was king of all Greeks, not just those within the borders. As a gesture of support for the new king, Britain handed over the Ionian Islands to Greece. George learned Greek and proved to be a skillful and popular ruler, respecting the constitutional system and staying out of day-to-day politics. He married the Russian Grand Duchess Olga and founded a dynasty, the Glücksburg line, which ruled Greece, with interruptions, until the abolition of the monarchy in 1974.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was King George I of Greece?
George I was a Danish prince, born William, who became King of the Hellenes in 1863 at age 17 and reigned for fifty years until 1913.
Why was a Danish prince chosen as king of Greece?
After Otto's overthrow, the Great Powers agreed none of their own royal families would take the throne, and Britain proposed Prince William of Denmark.
Why was George I called King of the Hellenes?
The title King of the Hellenes, rather than King of Greece, suggested he was king of all Greeks, including those still outside the country's borders.
Was George I a popular king?
Yes. George learned Greek, respected the constitutional system and stayed out of day-to-day politics, which made him a popular and respected ruler.
What dynasty did George I found?
George founded the Glücksburg dynasty in Greece, which ruled with interruptions until the monarchy was abolished in 1974.
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