Prince Wilhelm George of Denmark elected King of the Hellenes

Background. The election occurred after the October 1862 rebellion ousted King Otto and the Wittelsbach dynasty. The Greek people rejected Otto's brother Luitpold as successor but maintained a preference for monarchy over a republic. The Hellenic Parliament, located in the Old Royal Palace in Athens, served as the supreme democratic institution representing citizens through elected members.

Election. On 30 March 1863, the Greek National Assembly elected Prince Wilhelm George, aged 17, as King of the Hellenes under the regnal name George I. This decision followed the rejection of Otto's designated successor. The assembly acted as the legislative body responsible for selecting the monarch, reflecting the political transition from the previous dynasty.

Arrival. George arrived in Athens on 30 October 1863, having docked at Piraeus the previous day. His arrival marked the beginning of his reign, which lasted until his assassination in 1913. The transition from election to physical presence in the capital solidified his position as the new monarch.