Who Is Paul of Greece? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on December 14, 1901, Paul of Greece was King of Greece from 1947 until his abdication in 1964. As the second son of King Constantine I of Greece and Princess Sophie of Prussia, Paul played a significant role in the tumultuous post-war period in Greece. His reign was marked by political instability, but he is remembered for his efforts to modernize the monarchy and improve Greece's international standing. As of 2025, Paul of Greece would be 123 years old.
| Occupation | Service |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 14, 1901 |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Birth Place | Tatoi Palace, Athens, Kingdom of Greece |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Greece |
| Date of death | 6 March, 1964 |
| Died Place | Athens, Kingdom of Greece |
Popularity
Paul of Greece's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While precise measurements for Paul of Greece are difficult to obtain, it is commonly estimated that he was around 6 feet tall (183 cm) and maintained a weight that varied throughout his life, averaging around 180 lbs (82 kg). His stature gave him a commanding presence, reflective of his royal lineage.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Paul of Greece was married to Princess Frederica of Hanover in 1938. The couple had three children: Sofia, the current Queen of Spain; Constantine II, the last King of Greece; and Michael. Post-abdication, Paul and Frederica continued to maintain a close-knit family, although their royal status changed. While there’s no evidence of a boyfriend or girlfriend following Frederica’s passing in 1981, King Paul is often remembered fondly for his dedication to his family and legacy.
In 1912, the year before his father ascended the throne, Paul joined the Royal Hellenic Navy at eleven years old, becoming the youngest cadet at the time. After the National Schism during World War I, Constantine's abdication was forced and Paul and his family went into exile in Switzerland.
Paul's brother, Alexander, became the Greek sovereign in 1917 when Constantine and Paul were exiled, however, Alexander's death in 1920 led to Constantine's restoration. In 1922, Paul's other brother, George, became the monarch. However, a referendum in 1924 two years later saw the abolition of the Greek monarchy.
Paul moved to Italy with his family and then to London.
Net Worth and Salary
Though difficult to assess by modern standards, the estimated net worth of Paul of Greece at the time of his abdication in 1964 was substantial due to royal assets, properties, and investments. In today’s terms, it would denote a net worth in the millions, supported by royal estates and business interests. Following his reign, the family faced financial struggles but adapted through various investments and engagements.
The Greek royal family further suffered damage to its reputation when Paul was involved in a car accident, which resulted in the death of a member of the public. George was forced to pay a large sum of money as compensation for the victim's family by using the royal family's funds, which had already been greatly depleted because of the Greco-Turkish war.
Career, Business and Investments
During his reign, Paul of Greece focused on fostering international relations, especially with Western European countries and the USA during the Cold War. After his abdication, he and his family became involved in several business ventures and charitable activities. King Paul also invested in various enterprises, contributing to Greece's tourism and culture.
Upon their return to Greece, Paul wished to resume his naval training and joined the Hellenic Naval Academy, taking up residence in the academy's boarding school, located in Piraeus. Paul studied and trained there for two years and was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant in 1922. Paul served for several months on a Greek cruiser, the Elli.
Despite Greece's involvement in the Turkish War of Independence, Paul never fought in a battle but participated in the evacuation of Greek and Armenian refugees from Smyrnan shores following the burning of Smyrna by Turkish troops. Turkey later defeated Greece and their allies, who had been suffering since the fall of Smyrna in August 1922.
Social Network
The legacy of Paul of Greece lives on not just through his lineage but also through various social networks and royal heritage organizations that celebrate Greek history, culture, and the monarchy's influence on modern Greece. His descendants remain active in various charitable causes and public engagements, continuing his legacy.
Education
Paul of Greece received his education in Greece and abroad. He studied at the University of Athens and later attended military academies and royal schools across Europe. His diverse education laid a strong foundation for his leadership and diplomatic efforts during and after his reign.
Paul and his family briefly travelled to Oropos, before going through Italy to live in Switzerland. They first resided in St. Moritz and then in Zürich. The rest of the extended Greek royal family joined them when Venizelos announced Greece's entry into World War I.
In 1918, Constantine contracted the Spanish flu, causing him to fall severely ill and restricting him from providing for Paul and his other children. The disease almost killed him, however, he managed to recover. Constantine remained concerned about Paul's lack of education after the Greek government refused his entry into the British Royal Navy.
To Paul's dismay, Constantine accepted the offer made by Wilhelm II for Paul to join the Imperial German Navy. Paul soon left Switzerland for Germany and became a cadet.
