a Greek King

Something I've been pondering recently. After Greece got independence was there ever a chance for a Greek to be chosen as its King? If so what might the consequences be and who would be the likely candidate?
 
Was there even any Greek nobles or people who could have trace their ancestry to Byzantine emperors/noble families?
 
When creating new nations in the 19th c., nearly all independence leaders chose kings in reigning foreign families or in close lineages. These family links were essential to be accepted in the "concert of kings". The only exceptions were the Serbians, where the insurrections started in early 19th c., and the Montenegrins, where the Petrovic-Njegos family held power since the 17th c. In absence of a clear dominant family, the choice of a foreign prince seemed an insurance vis-a-vis the western Great powers.
 
Alright interesting. Say despot Thomas does have legitimate surviving descendants until the time of Greek independence who remain in the public eye so to speak, could they be put forward?
 
When creating new nations in the 19th c., nearly all independence leaders chose kings in reigning foreign families or in close lineages. These family links were essential to be accepted in the "concert of kings". The only exceptions were the Serbians, where the insurrections started in early 19th c., and the Montenegrins, where the Petrovic-Njegos family held power since the 17th c. In absence of a clear dominant family, the choice of a foreign prince seemed an insurance vis-a-vis the western Great powers.

Serbia is an interesting exception, but Greece was too strategic and too symbolic for it to be allowed to a native king. Which would be what, hunt down Palaiologoi descendents or something?

But look at the Romanian principalities. Many, many Greek (Phanariot) rulers served there, including the Cantacuzino family, which has always claimed to be descended from the Kantakouzenos family of the late Byzantine Empire. I guess a Cantacuzino might be the most realistic choice in the 19th century for a "Greek" who could have some claim to the Byzantine Empire. But as noted, it doesn't give you the advantages internationally that, say, a German noble might.
 
Alright interesting. Say despot Thomas does have legitimate surviving descendants until the time of Greek independence who remain in the public eye so to speak, could they be put forward?

There is about 400 years between despote Thomas and Greek independence. Succession question might be bit messy if then there not be direct male lineage. But if there is clear claimant, it might be possible. But whole family has probably lived outside of Greece and might be that they even can't anymore speak Greek. So it hardly answer to original question.
 
True points as mentioned.

Though say there was a clear claimant from the old dunasty, could they be put forward? Especially if they'd fought in the war?
 
True points as mentioned.

Though say there was a clear claimant from the old dunasty, could they be put forward? Especially if they'd fought in the war?

Perhaps if they are married with other royal families and kept their faith.
 
Any other thoughts on the Romanian Cantacuzino family being presented as the candidate for the Greeks? They really are the best bet for a Byzantine-descended family to rule 19th century Greece.
 
I don't think there's any reason why the Greeks couldn't have chosen one of the revolutionary leaders. Maybe Kolokotronis. A more legalistic option would be to crown a scion of the Phanariote families like Alexander Ypsilantis (although I don't think this would necessarily be the better approach).

A native monarch might have been good for Greece; having more sensitivity for Greek culture and local problems in general, avoiding Otto's absolutism and other mistakes. Then again, we can't be sure.
 
Alright interesting thanks for your input guys :). Say a Greek King is installed how might the country develop?
 
When Prince William was chosen to be King George I of Greece in 1863, Britain, France and Russia all agreed to contribute £4,000 each to the King's allowance. Importantly this amount was deducted annually from the interest on loans owed to the three powers, so this was seen as advantageous to Greece. Also, the Ionian Islands were thrown in as a condition, paying the king a payment of £10,000 to establish a court.
 
Top