Former Prince of Greece Nikolaos Marries Chrysí Vardinogianni in Athens

Former Prince of Greece Nikolaos and Chrysí Vardinogianni were married in Athens this evening. Their wedding took place just weeks after they announced their engagement.

The couple exchanged vows in a quiet ceremony at St. Nikolaos Ragavas Church in Plaka, Athens, on Friday, February 7.

This is the second marriage for both. Chrysí was once married to singer Stefanos Xypolitas, and they have two children. Nikolaos ended his 13-year marriage with Princess Tatiana last year.

Chrysí arrived at the ceremony with her father, Greek businessman and shipping magnate Giorgos Vardinogiannis. She wore a tiara that belonged to former Queen Anne-Marie, now her mother-in-law.

European Royals and special guests in attendance

The wedding brought together a select group of distinguished guests, including members of European royalty and close family friends. Former Crown Prince Pavlos (brother of Nikolaos) and his wife Marie-Chantal were among those in attendance, showing their support for the newlyweds.

Former Princess Theodora, the groom’s sister, arrived in an elegant aquamarine satin dress with silver metallic heels, accompanied by her husband, Matthew Kumar. The couple had recently celebrated their own wedding in September.

Queen Sofia of Spain, the Greek-born sister of the late former King Constantine, greeted the crowd with a warm wave as she made her entrance.

Representing the Danish royal family, Queen Anne-Marie’s sister, Princess Benedikte, attended the ceremony in a refined pink outfit. She was joined by her daughter, Princess Alexandra, as well as her son, Prince Gustav, and his wife, Carina.

Greece’s Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, was also present.

The Antique Corsage Tiara

Former Queen Anne-Marie’s Antique Corsage Tiara has become a tradition for her daughters-in-law, worn by each on their wedding day. Marie-Chantal Miller wore it when she married former Crown Prince Pavlos in 1995.

Nina Flohr followed the tradition at her 2021 wedding to former Prince Philippos, and Tatiana Blatnik also wore it when she wed former Prince Nikolaos in 2010.

However, former Queen Anne-Marie’s daughter, Theodora, chose the Khedive of Egypt Tiara for her wedding last September.

Greece restores citizenship to former royal family members

Greece has recently granted citizenship to ten members of its former royal family, three decades after their citizenship was revoked. The country abolished its monarchy 51 years ago in a 1974 referendum, held after the return of democracy following seven years of military rule.

Among those receiving citizenship are the five children of the late King Constantine II and former Queen Anne-Marie—Pavlos, Nikolaos, Philippos, Alexia, and Theodora—along with five of the king’s grandchildren. They have adopted the surname De Grece, which means “of Greece” in French.