It is with great sadness that we announce that the prince has passed away suddenly tonight

Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark, the first cousin of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has passed away at 85 in Athens.

Known as a historian and writer under the name Michel De Gres, he was the last surviving grandson of King George I of Greece.

In 1965, he renounced his royal rights to marry Marina Karella. He served in the Hellenic Coast Guard and remained in Greece during the 1967 military coup. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

His funeral will take place in Athens on Thursday.