Michel de Grece, the renowned historian and author, passed away at the age of 85 in a hospital in Athens, it was announced on Sunday, reports Kathimerini newspaper.

He was the last surviving grandson of George I. His father, Prince Christopher, was the king’s fifth son, and his mother was Francoise d’Orleans from the House of Bourbon. Despite being of the same age, he was the uncle of former King Constantine.

He lost his father when he was just one year old and spent his youth in Morocco and Spain. Later, he studied in France but always maintained a deep love for Greece and its history. He fulfilled his military duties in the cavalry-tank corps.

In 1965, he fell in love with artist Marina Karella, married her, and abdicated the Greek throne.

He achieved international acclaim as an author with numerous bestselling works. His career began in 1970, and he wrote extensively on subjects ranging from Greek history and the Ottoman Empire to the Louis and the Tsars.

Details of his funeral have not yet been announced.