Princess Helen of Greece and Denmark defied expectations and rewrote the script of royal life. From risking everything during World War II to challenging oppressive norms, her journey shows a woman of extraordinary courage and unshakable principles.
Yet her life wasn’t just about resilience—it was about action that saved lives and changed legacies.
Here are 14 gripping moments from her life that prove she was far more than a princess—she was a force of history.
1. Royal Birth
Born on May 2, 1896, in Athens, Greece, Princess Helen was the third of six children in the Greek royal family. As the daughter of King Constantine I of Greece and Queen Sophie of Prussia, she was deeply connected to both Greek and Prussian royal heritage, according to FamilySearch records.
Unlike many royal women of earlier eras, Helen received a proper education and enjoyed relative freedom in her youth. She developed a particularly close bond with her brother Alexander, which would shape her early years at the palace.
2. Survival Under Fire
In 1916, Helen demonstrated admirable courage when the French fleet bombarded the Royal Palace. Rather than seeking shelter, she faced the danger head-on.
The attack came as a result of her father’s stance on Greece’s neutrality during World War I, which had angered various political factions. This event marked one of the first major challenges Helen would face in her life.
3. Swiss Exile
Amid political turmoil in Greece, Helen and her family faced exile, relocating to Switzerland. According to the Express, the entire royal family stood together in solidarity, opposing Greece’s new leadership during this challenging period.
Despite financial hardships and her father’s declining health, the family’s solidarity provided Helen with crucial emotional support. This period of exile would later prove to be a turning point in her life.
4. A Fateful Meeting
In 1920, Helen’s life changed dramatically when she met Crown Prince Carol of Romania during her brother George’s engagement celebrations. The meeting occurred while the Greek royal family was in exile.
Their courtship moved swiftly, leading to their engagement in November 1920. The match initially seemed perfect, with Helen’s elegance and kindness viewed as complementary to Carol’s challenging personality.
5. Historic Wedding
On March 10, 1921, Helen made history as the first Greek Princess to marry in Athens. She wore a special Greek key tiara for the occasion, symbolizing her heritage and new beginning.
The ceremony took place in the Metropolitan Cathedral, marking a triumphant return from exile. Their honeymoon began at Tatoi, where they spent two months before returning to Romania.
6. Royal Motherhood
Helen gave birth to her only child, Prince Michael, on October 25, 1921, at the Foișor castle in Sinaia. The delivery was complicated and required surgery, leading doctors to advise against future pregnancies.
Despite the challenges, Helen devoted herself to her son’s upbringing. This dedication would later prove crucial during her son’s reign as King of Romania.
7. Marriage Troubles
Helen’s marriage to Carol quickly revealed fundamental differences between the couple. While she maintained a proper and aristocratic lifestyle, Carol preferred partying and the company of other women.
The situation escalated when Carol launched a media campaign to tarnish Helen’s reputation. As reported by Royal News, this conflict culminated in her being allowed to spend only two months per year in Romania.
8. Queen Mother’s Role
In 1940, Helen returned to Romania as Queen Mother when her son Michael ascended to the throne. She served as a close advisor to her son during his reign.
Her new position allowed her to influence Romanian politics and society significantly. She used this influence to support various humanitarian causes.
9. Humanitarian Hero
During World War II, Helen became known for her efforts to save Romanian Jews from the Nazis. Her humanitarian work earned her the title “Righteous Among the Nations” from the Israeli government.
This recognition highlighted her courage and moral strength during one of history’s darkest periods. Her actions saved numerous lives and demonstrated her commitment to human dignity.
10. Cultural Pursuits
Helen maintained a deep appreciation for the arts throughout her life. She particularly loved Renaissance painting and architecture, spending considerable time visiting museums and exhibits.
Her cultural interests extended to literature and music, reflecting her refined education and sophisticated tastes. These pursuits provided solace during difficult times.
11. Breaking Barriers
Helen demonstrated progressive thinking by supporting her son’s marriage to Princess Anne of Bourbon-Parma despite religious differences. She successfully arranged their wedding in Athens, overcoming opposition from both families and the Romanian government.
This achievement represented a significant break from traditional royal protocol. It showed Helen’s willingness to prioritize happiness over convention.
12. Late-Life Romance
Towards the end of her life, Helen developed a romantic relationship with King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden. They shared common interests in arts and gardening.
Despite Gustaf’s marriage proposal, Helen chose to maintain her independence. This decision reflected her strong sense of self and personal autonomy.
13. Financial Struggles
Despite her royal status, Helen faced significant financial difficulties in her later years. She was eventually forced to sell many of her assets and give up her beloved Villa Sparta.
These challenges didn’t diminish her dignity or spirit. She continued to maintain close relationships with family and pursued her interests despite limited means.
14. Lasting Legacy
Helen passed away in Lausanne, Switzerland, on November 28, 1982, at the age of 86. Her life spanned some of the most tumultuous periods in European history.
Her legacy lives on through her humanitarian work and the example she set of courage and dignity in the face of adversity. She demonstrated that true nobility comes not from titles but from actions and character.
Princess Helen’s life story reads like an epic tale of resilience, courage, and unwavering dignity. From her royal birth in Athens to her final days in Lausanne, she faced personal trials, political upheavals, and world wars with grace.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
