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Big thanks to Marie for this article. |
King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece were joined by family and friends from all over the world at the baptism of their granddaughter recently.
The Orthodox ceremony took place at the Church of Saint George in Istanbul in honor of four-month old Maria-Olympia, the first daughter of Prince Pavlos of Greece and his wife Marie-Chantal.
The Prince of Wales was one of the several royal guests invited to Turkey for the occasion. Also in attendance were Prince Pavlos's aunts Queen Sophia of Spain and Princess Irene of Greece, his great uncle Michael of Greece, his brother Prince Nikoloas and sister Princess Alexia.
Marie-Chantal's family was represented by her parents, millionaire businessman Robert Miller and his wife, and her sister, Mrs. Pia Getty.
The traditional ceremony was conducted by Patriarch Bartholomew I. The baby was named Maria in honor of her grandmother Queen Anne Marie and Olympia as a mark of ancient Greece.
As a godparent, Prince Charles had a special part to play in the ceremony, holding Maria-Olympia as she was anointed with the myrrh. 'This is the first time I have attended an Orthodox christening,' he said, 'and I found it very moving.'
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This page was created on March 13, 2001 by Alex B. |