Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Constantine to marry Anne Marie

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 January 23, 1963

After months of rumors and "often denied," the engagement of Crown Prince Constantine of Greece and Princess Anne Marie of Denmark was officially announced today, reports the Associated Press.

Princess Anne Marie, 16, is the youngest of the three daughters of King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid of Denmark.

The engagement was announced, "almost without warning."   The Danes, who call Princess Anne-Marie "The Wild One," were caught off guard that their "vivacious princess" was going to marry the future King of the Hellenes.

The date of the wedding was not announced, but there are "unconfirmed reports" that the wedding might take place in January 1964.

Princess Anne Marie is still at school and has to finish her education at Zahle's school before she can marry.

The "chestnut-haired" Princess and her 22-year-old fiance,  appeared in public within minutes of the announcement.  She was said to be in a "joyous mood."

The princess linked arms with Crown Prince Constantine as they "stepped into an icy wind" to greet Constantine's parents, King Paul and Queen Frederika at Kastrup airport.

The Greek sovereigns were accompanied by Constantine's elder sister, Princess Sophie, and her husband, Prince Juan Carlos of Spain.   His younger sister, Princess Irene, 20, was also on the flight.

Princess Anne-Marie was one of Princess Sophia's bridesmaids at the wedding in May 1962.   She and Constantine were said to be inseparable during the wedding festivities in Athens.

The six-foot heir to the throne "loves fast cars and fast boats."  He won the Gold Medal in yachting at the 1960 Summer Olympic Games.

Anne-Marie is said to be a "typical teenager," who loves fashion and "pop music.  She will celebrate her 17th birthday on August 30.

She has two older sisters,  Princess Margrethe, 22, is the heiress to the throne.  Princess Benedikte is 18.

Princess Anne-Marie and Crown Prince Constantine are distant cousins.  His great-grandfather, King George I of the Hellenes, was born Prince Wilhelm of Denmark, youngest son of King Christian IX of Denmark.

King Frederik IX is the grandson of King Frederik VIII, eldest son of King Christian IX.  


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