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OTTO I
BY THE GRACE OF GOD, KING OF GREECE
To all Greek citizens
Hellenes,
I was invited to assume the throne of Greece both by the illustrious and generous mediators, through whose
mighty assistance you brought a glorious end to this long and destructive war, and by your own free choice.
I intend to meet all the obligations I undertook when I accepted the crown you offered me, obligations to
you and to the mediating Great Powers. (...)
Through a long and deadly war, in which you willingly sacrificed the greatest and most valuable of your
possessions, you managed to reassert your political existence and independence, which form the basis
on which the happiness and prosperity of every nation is built. (...)
As I take on the responsibilities of kingship, I take a vow to all the people of Greece that
I will protect your religion, uphold the laws, provide justice for each and every one of the
citizens and defend, with God’s help, your independence, your freedom and your rights against
any threat. (...)
Nafplio, January 25 (February 6), 1833
On behalf of the King, The Regency
Count Armansperg, President
Maurer, Heyden
(Proclamation by Otto I on the day of his arrival in Nafplio. It was published in the 1st issue
of the Journal of the Greek Government in February 16/28, 1833).
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