Prince Michael of Greece dies aged 85: Tributes pour in for Prince Philip's first cousin who lost his father aged one and renounced his rights to the Greek throne to marry a commoner

Prince Michael of Greece, who was Prince Philip's first cousin, has died at the age of 85.

The royal, who was a renowned writer and historian under the name Michel De Gres, passed away at hospital in Athens , it was announced today.

The last remaining grandson of George I with a lineage to the House of Bourbon through his mother's side of the family, is set to be buried in the Greek capital on Thursday.

He was well known for his devotion to his wife Marina Karella and his turbulent personal life which saw him tragically lose his father at the age of just one.

Despite being an acclaimed painter and sculptor, as Marina was not a member of the royal family he had to give up his rights to the Greek throne in order to marry her in 1965.

Born in 1939, Prince Michael was born on the eve of great change in Europe and in the Greek Royal Family.

The only child of Prince Christopher and his second wife Princess Francoise d'Oleans of France, his youth was characterised by upheaval.

His father died at the age of 51 in 1940 after a short illness, while his mother passed away in 1953 leaving him an orphan at the age of 14.

Being shuttled around Europe and north Africa in the midst of the Second World War, Michael was raised in Paris following the cessation of hostilities, where he developed a fascination with Greece and its history from afar.

He would return to the country as an adult, joining its army and serving in the Cavalry-Armoured Corps and becoming the only royal to gain Greek citizenship.

His love for the country kept it close to his heart and even when spending long periods away from the country, he always returned in good time.

When the government fell to a right-wing military coup in 1967, Michael was the only member if the Greek Royal Family to remain in the country after his nephew King Constantine failed in his attempts to overthrow the Junta.

More to follow...