Just under a month after her ex-husband remarried, Princess Tatiana of Greece took to her Instagram to pen a reflective post about "identity." In it, the 44 year old revealed that before moving forward, she plans to travel to places that have shaped her.
"Identity. What makes you, you?" she began. "I walked into my freshman sociology class at Georgetown University and my professor wrote that exact question on the blackboard- what makes you you? Beneath it, he began listing words: race, gender, religion, nationality… Suddenly, I wasn’t just me. I was a collection of labels and instead of unity, I saw division- similarities and differences. For as long as I can remember, answering 'Where are you from?' has never been simple."
"My identity doesn’t fit into a box. Born to a German mother, who grew up in Spain and to a Slovenian father. I was born in Venezuela, grew up in Switzerland and then the US, moved to London… and now living in Greece, somewhere I feel so at home, surrounded by a language and culture that isn’t entirely mine but feels like it should be," Tatiana continued. "Last year, I lost another layer of identity. But maybe identity isn’t something we lose, it’s something we evolve, rediscover, and redefine. So, I’m taking my own advice and taking a step back before moving forward. This month I will be traveling to some of the places that have shaped me."
Tatiana shared that she plans to seek the stories, people and moments that have made her who she is. "I’m excited about this and looking forward to sharing it with all of you," she wrote. "Exploring what makes you who you are and how important the questions of identity, community & roots play in one’s wellbeing."
Tatiana's message was accompanied by a carousel of pictures, including a childhood photo of herself in Greece at age 6, already "feeling at home." The Instagram post was liked by the Princess' former brother-in-law, Crown Prince Pavlos.
Tatiana's remark about losing another layer of identity comes less than a year after her split from Prince Nikolaos, whom she married in 2010, was announced. “We wish to inform you of a significant and heartfelt decision made by TRH Prince Nikolaos and Princess Tatiana. After fourteen years of marriage, they have chosen to amicably dissolve their union. This decision was reached with great care and mutual respect, reflecting the depth of their appreciation for one another and the moments they have shared,” the private office of the Greek royal family announced last April. “Their future interactions will continue to be guided by these same principles of respect and understanding, as they transition into a relationship rooted in a strong friendship. They will continue to live and build their lives in Greece, a place they both call home. The Family will always support them."
Nikolaos has since married again. The Greek Prince, who is the third child of Queen Anne-Marie and Constantine II, and Chrysí Vardinogianni tied the knot on Feb. 7 at the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas Ragavas in Athens. It was reported in January that the pair were engaged.
Five days after her ex's wedding, Tatiana thanked those who have helped her "stay strong—physically, emotionally and in every way that matters." On Instagram, she penned, "I can’t start this post without saying thank you to this incredible community. To everyone who has made me feel at home, strong, and supported—YOU. My heart is full of gratitude. When people ask if I will continue to live in Greece, my answer has never been more of a YES. Because of you. Thank you for opening your doors, your hearts & your homes. Your kindness and support means everything." Tatiana added, in part, "The past few weeks have been an adventure—full of change, growth and exciting new opportunities."