Key Facts
- ✓ Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark died at the age of 83 on Thursday, January 15, in Madrid.
- ✓ She was the younger sister of Queen Sofia of Spain and the aunt of King Felipe VI.
- ✓ The death occurred at the Palacio de la Zarzuela, the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
- ✓ The Spanish royal family's Communication Department will organize the ceremonies for her wake in Spain.
- ✓ Her remains will be transferred to Greece for burial in the cemetery of Tatoi.
- ✓ Reports indicate the princess had been suffering from a significant cognitive deterioration for some time.
A Royal Life Concludes
The Spanish royal family has announced the passing of Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark. She died at the age of 83 on Thursday, January 15, at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid.
As the younger sister of Queen Sofia of Spain, the princess maintained a life largely away from the public eye. Her death marks the end of a fascinating journey that spanned continents and royal courts.
Official Announcement
The news was delivered through an official statement released by the royal household. The Communication Department of the Casa de S.M. el Rey confirmed the details of her passing.
The statement read:
“Sus Majestades los Reyes y Su Majestad la Reina Doña Sofía lamentan comunicar el fallecimiento de Su Alteza Real la Princesa Irene de Grecia a las 11.40 de hoy en el Palacio de la Zarzuela de Madrid.”
The announcement also outlined the immediate plans for her funeral rites. The royal household will coordinate the ceremonies for her wake in Spain, followed by the transportation of her coffin to Greece.
"“Sus Majestades los Reyes y Su Majestad la Reina Doña Sofía lamentan comunicar el fallecimiento de Su Alteza Real la Princesa Irene de Grecia a las 11.40 de hoy en el Palacio de la Zarzuela de Madrid.”"
— Official Statement, Casa de S.M. el Rey
The Final Resting Place
Following the services in Madrid, Princess Irene’s remains will be returned to her ancestral homeland. She is set to be laid to rest in the cemetery of Tatoi, located north of Athens.
Tatoi has long served as the burial ground for members of the Greek royal family. This final journey brings her life full circle, returning her to the land of her birth and heritage.
A Life of Privacy
Princess Irene was the daughter of King Paul of Greece and Queen Frederica. She spent her early years in exile, living in locations such as Cairo, Rome, and Madrás (now Chennai) following the war.
Unlike her sister, Queen Sofia, who married into the Spanish monarchy, Princess Irene never married. She remained a figure of quiet dignity, often described as the "princess of the thousand faces" due to her diverse interests and artistic pursuits.
- She was an accomplished archaeologist.
- She was a talented concert pianist.
- She was a dedicated animal rights activist.
- She held a known interest in ufology.
Recent Health Concerns
In the days leading up to her death, there were signs of her declining health. Queen Sofia had canceled several engagements on her agenda earlier in the week.
Reports indicate that the princess had been battling a serious cognitive deterioration for a considerable period. Her passing at the royal residence was attended by close family members.
Legacy and Mourning
The passing of Princess Irene is felt deeply within the royal houses of Greece, Denmark, and Spain. As the aunt of King Felipe VI of Spain, her legacy is woven into the fabric of modern European royalty.
While she often chose to remain in the background, her life was one of rich cultural and historical significance. The Palacio de la Zarzuela now serves as the focal point for mourning her loss.
