This Saturday, the Royal Family bid farewell to Princess Irene of Greece, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 83. Close family and friends surrounded Queen Sofia on a cold, rain-soaked January day as she bid farewell to her younger sister. The king’s aunt had lived for years with cognitive decline, but her condition worsened sharply this week, prompting Queen Sofia to clear her schedule to remain by her side during her final, fragile days. The funeral will be held this Monday in Athens, at the Royal Cemetery of Tatoi.
The wake was held at the Zarzuela Palace before her remains were transferred at midday on Saturday to the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Saint Demetrius in Madrid. Among those in attendance were Infantas Elena and Cristina; Alexia of Greece, accompanied by her husband and children Arrietta and Carlos Morales; and Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez Almeida, with his wife, Teresa Urquijo, alongside many others. The tribute to Princess Irene’s life was deeply felt, and on a day of profound grief for Queen Sofia, the presence of her grandchildren proved to be one of her greatest sources of strength.
The family stood united in their grief
Queen Sofia arrived at the cathedral with King Felipe and Queen Letizia, Infanta Sofia, and Princess Leonor, who remained at her grandmother’s side throughout, sharing an umbrella as they climbed the steps into the church. Walking arm in arm, their closeness offered one of the most moving moments of the day. Leonor made clear how important it was for her to accompany her grandmother through such a difficult farewell, her affection and support evident at every moment.
Her grandchildren further surrounded Queen Sofia. In addition to Infanta Sofia and Princess Leonor, those present included Infanta Cristina’s children, Irene, Pablo, and Miguel Urdangarin, as well as Infanta Elena’s daughter, Victoria de Marichalar. The two granddaughters entered together, heads bowed and visibly emotional. Irene paid a subtle tribute to the princess who shares her name by incorporating pearls into her attire, a symbol deeply rooted in the visual language of European royalty. Victoria de Marichalar expressed mourning through a more contemporary style, equally respectful in tone.
Pablo and Miguel Urdangarin arrived alongside their mother, Infanta Cristina, and her cousin, Alexia of Greece. The brothers walked together and paused to greet those gathered at the entrance, offering warmth and quiet attentiveness. Their brother Juan was unable to attend due to work commitments in London, nor was their cousin Felipe de Marichalar, who currently resides in Abu Dhabi.
The funeral will follow in Athens
Coincidentally, Princess Irene of Greece passed away on the same day as a memorial service in Tatoi honoring King Constantine, the brother of Queen Sofia and Princess Irene. On Saturday, Prince Pavlos of Greece honored his aunt with a heartfelt message, in which he also explained why his wife, Marie Chantal, and their children, Prince Odysseas and Princess Olympia, will be unable to attend the funeral in Athens on Monday.
“With deep sorrow, I mourn the passing of my beloved aunt, Princess Irene of Greece. A woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to family, her presence was both gentle and unshakeable. Her values were not expressed in words but in actions, evident in every gesture of care and devotion toward those around her,” he said. “Irene was a source of wisdom, loyalty, and love, a steady anchor for our family through the years. Her loss leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her memory will live on forever in our hearts. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her loved ones.”