What Connects Switzerland to Nicholas De Gres’ Royal Love?

A Wedding Unlike Any Other

In a world where royal weddings are often grandiose spectacles, Nicholas De Gres and Chryssi Vardinoyannis have chosen a refreshingly different path. Their intimate and understated ceremony has captivated international audiences, signaling a shift in how modern royalty approaches tradition. Unlike lavish nuptials broadcast worldwide, their wedding was a private affair, emphasizing love over grandeur and personal significance over royal formalities.

Who is Nicholas De Gres?

Nicholas De Gres, formerly Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark, is the son of the late King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece. Though Greece abolished its monarchy in 1973, Nicholas has maintained a prominent presence in European high society. Educated in the United Kingdom and the United States, Nicholas pursued a professional career before embracing a contemporary identity, adopting the surname “De Gres.” This choice reflects his desire to balance his noble heritage with a modern, independent lifestyle outside the constraints of traditional royal obligations.

Nicholas has been a strong advocate for sustainability and humanitarian efforts. He has collaborated with international organizations to promote environmental conservation and social equity, making him a respected figure beyond the royal sphere. His modern approach to public life has resonated with many who see him as an example of how royalty can redefine their role in contemporary society.

The Bride: Chryssi Vardinoyannis

Chryssi Vardinoyannis hails from one of Greece’s most influential families. The Vardinoyannis family is well-known for its extensive business empire, particularly in shipping and energy. Chryssi herself has been active in philanthropy and cultural initiatives, aligning her interests with those of Nicholas, who has also been involved in environmental and humanitarian causes. As a respected businesswoman, she has played an active role in initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, and sustainability.

Her presence in Greek society extends beyond business; she is a patron of the arts and actively supports various cultural preservation projects. Known for her grace and intelligence, Chryssi has seamlessly blended her family’s legacy with a commitment to fostering progress in Greece and beyond.

A Love That Transcends Titles

The couple’s relationship has been characterized by discretion, making their recent wedding announcement all the more intriguing. They have been together for several years, yet they have chosen to keep their relationship away from the public eye, allowing their love to grow outside media scrutiny. Their choice to forgo the pomp and pageantry of traditional royal weddings in favor of a more personal ceremony reflects their modern outlook on love and marriage. This decision aligns with an emerging trend among European royals who prioritize personal happiness over outdated customs.

The Wedding Ceremony

On February 7, 2025, Nicholas and Chryssi exchanged vows in a private Greek Orthodox ceremony at the historic Church of Saint Nicholas Ragavas in Plaka, Athens. The event was attended by close family and select guests from Greece’s elite circles. Unlike typical royal weddings, which often feature grand receptions and public celebrations, this affair emphasized intimacy and personal significance over public spectacle.

The church, a Byzantine-era landmark, provided a serene and spiritual atmosphere for the occasion. The couple’s vows were deeply personal, reflecting their commitment to one another rather than fulfilling ceremonial expectations. The reception that followed was a modest yet elegant gathering, with close friends and family celebrating the union in a warm and personal setting.

The Meaning Behind Their Choice

Their decision to have a low-key wedding aligns with a growing trend among European royals who are redefining their roles in contemporary society. This shift signals a move away from rigid traditions, focusing instead on authenticity and personal happiness. The couple’s choice to embrace a more subdued celebration highlights their dedication to a life based on personal values rather than external expectations.

A New Era for Former Greek Royals

Although Greece no longer has an official monarchy, the former royal family continues to hold symbolic significance, particularly among royal watchers and history enthusiasts. Nicholas and Chryssi’s marriage represents a blend of old and new, maintaining cultural ties while embracing a more modern, private lifestyle. Their decision to lead a life of personal fulfillment rather than royal obligations is an example of how former royal families can evolve in the modern world while still retaining their historical and cultural heritage.

Their union also marks a continuation of ties between prominent Greek families and European nobility. While they may not bear official royal titles, their marriage has been widely regarded as an event of historical importance, celebrated not for its spectacle but for its reflection of changing times.

The Future of Nicholas and Chryssi

While the couple’s future plans remain private, it is expected that they will continue their philanthropic efforts, possibly expanding their work in cultural and environmental sectors. Their marriage not only marks a personal milestone but also a new chapter in the evolving narrative of modern European royalty. Given their backgrounds, they may also play a role in fostering diplomatic and cultural connections between Greece and other nations.

As they move forward together, Nicholas and Chryssi exemplify a new approach to aristocracy—one that values social impact, personal authenticity, and cultural preservation over adherence to outdated traditions. Their story is a testament to love’s ability to transcend expectations and redefine what it means to be a modern royal couple.

Switzerland plays a significant role in Nicholas De Gres’ love story due to Tatiana Blatnik, his first wife, who was raised there and maintained strong ties to the country. Educated in Switzerland, Tatiana embodies the international elite that Switzerland often attracts. Additionally, the nation has long been a neutral ground for European aristocracy, hosting exiled royals, discreet gatherings, and fostering diplomatic ties. Switzerland’s cosmopolitan appeal and discretion made it an ideal cultural backdrop for Nicholas’ royal journey, influencing both his past and present relationships.