Signed, King Paul of Greece, - Royal Decree (Black Mourning Frame - Death of King George II ) - 1947

Constantine Paul of Greece and the Establishment of the Ministry of Health (Civil War Era)

Historical Document:

Type: Original Royal Decree
Date: 19 June 1947

The black frame in the royal decree indicates the mourning declared for
the death of King George II from 01.04.1947 to 31.07.1947.

During the reign of Paul I:
After the death of King George II, a three-month national mourning was declared.

Location: Athens
Signatures: Handwritten signatures of King Paul of Greece and Minister of Health Michael Kotsianos
Dimensions: 34cm x 22cm
Pages: 4


This decree marks a significant administrative milestone in Greece’s post-World War II reconstruction, specifically the formal establishment of the Ministry of Health, vital for rebuilding Greece’s healthcare system after the turmoil of war and occupation.

Historical Context of Greek Monarchy & Political Climate:

Paul (Greek: Παύλος; 14 December 1901 – 6 March 1964) was King of Greece from 1 April 1947 until his death on 6 March 1964.

Paul was born in Athens as the third son of Crown Prince Constantine and Crown Princess Sophia of Greece. In 1912, the year before his father ascended the throne, Paul joined the Royal Hellenic Navy at eleven years old, becoming the youngest cadet at the time. After the National Schism during World War I, Constantine's abdication was forced and Paul and his family went into exile in Switzerland. Paul's brother, Alexander, became the Greek sovereign in 1917 when Constantine and Paul were exiled, however, Alexander's death in 1920 led to Constantine's restoration. In 1922, Paul's other brother, George, became the monarch. However, a referendum in 1924 two years later saw the abolition of the Greek monarchy. Paul moved to Italy with his family and then to London.

Michael K. Kotsianos (also Kotsianos, 1889 - April 1965) was a Greek physician, who served as a member of parliament and minister.

The royal decree of 1947 reflects Greece’s efforts to reestablish its governmental institutions after the devastation of WWII and the occupation. The creation of the Ministry of Health was a critical step in rebuilding the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.