Royal Couple Nikolaos and Tatiana Announce Divorce After 14 Years of Marriage

Prince Nikolaos, theson of Greece’s late king Constantine, and his wife Tatiana Blatnikhave announced their decision to divorce after fourteen years ofmarriage.

Together for twentyyears, the couple decided to part ways, closing a chapter that kickedoff with a storybook wedding, drawing scores of international royaltyon the tiny island

Known for hismorning jobs and running of the former royal estates at Tatoi, northof Athens, Nikolaos devoted much of his time to his passion forphotography, holding exhibitions in Greece and abroad. He alsocontributed to philanthropy as a Special Advisor to the Board ofAxion Hellas, supporting vulnerable groups in remote island regionsof Greece.

Tatiana Blatnikworked with charitable organisations like Elpida Youth and foundedthe mental health platform Breathe Hellas. Despite their sharedcommitment to social service, the couple often had separateschedules, with Tatiana travelling alone to international events.

For those close tothe couple, the royal breakup has come as no surprise. The couple’spublic appearances had dwindled in recent years.

Born in Caracas to aSlovenian businessman and a German mother from an aristocraticfamily, Tatiana Blatnik met Prince Nikolaos in 2003 in Gstaad. Theirengagement was announced in 2009 by the former royal family. Theyannounced their separation as they neared their 14th weddinganniversary.

Brain DrainChallenge Persists as BRFAA’s Scientific Director Resigns

Greece’s ambitionto stem brain drain has suffered a serious setback with theresignation of Nikos Kyrpides, the scientific director of theBiomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA).

Mr. Kyrpides, aninternationally acclaimed biologist, cited a lack of interest infoundational reorganisation as the primary reason for his departure.

Mr. Kyrpides, whopreviously led a prominent research program at the Joint GenomeInstitute in California, was appointed as BRFAA’s scientificdirector in 2020. His resignation, just nine months after takingoffice, raises questions about Greece’s commitment to reversing thecountry’s brain drain, fostering instead a brain gain.

The biologist’sreturn to Greece was initially celebrated as a success for thecountry’s initiative to win back scientific talent. But Mr.Kyrpides’ stint at BRFAA was marred by resistance to change.

“I was saddened torealize that instead of finding a warm welcome, I was met withintense suspicion and, several times, an aggressive mood,” Kyrpidessaid in a recent interview.

The incident hasprompted a broader discussion on the need for systemic reforms toensure that Greece can attract and retain top scientific talent.

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