Today, March 25th 2021, Greece proudly celebrates 200 years since the Greek Revolution of 1821. Today is a day to be thankful for the bravery of those who went into battle against the 400 years of rule by the Ottoman Empire and won freedom and independence for their people and country.

A pivotal chapter in Greek history as well as a major piece of the puzzle in terms of world history.

Celebrations in this bicentennial year are quite solemn with heads of states attending the ceremonies.

HRH The Prince of Wales attended a Bicentenary dinner at the Presidential Mansion in Athens and gave a moving speech.”My wife and I could not be more delighted to be back in Greece, which has long held the most special place in my heart. After all, Greece is the land of my grandfather; and of my father’s birth, nearly one hundred years ago, in the centenary year of Greek Independence”. Prince Charles has a particularly strong connection to Greece, or “the land of his grandfather,” as he noted in 2020. Both Prince Charles’ father, Prince Philip, and grandfather, Prince Andrew, were born in Greece.

This significant day is marked as a public holiday. School children march in parades as a sign of respect and we all stand and remember the courage and sheer determination of the Greek people and their indomitable spirit, without whom independence could never have been won.

The words of the country’s national anthem particularly poignant and moving: from the Greeks of old whose dying brought to life and spirit free, now with ancient valor rising, let us hail you, oh Liberty.