Key Facts
- ✓ Queen Sofia (87) has postponed two acts scheduled for this week in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
- ✓ The cancellation is due to an empeoramiento de la salud (worsening of health) of her sister, Princess Irene of Greece.
- ✓ Queen Sofia was scheduled to receive the Gorila 2024 Award from the Loro Parque Foundation.
- ✓ She was also to be invested as Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
- ✓ She recently attended the funeral of her cousin, Princess Tatiana Radsiwill, in Paris.
Quick Summary
Queen Sofia has cancelled her upcoming agenda in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to stay with her sister, Princess Irene of Greece, who is in critical health. The 87-year-old former monarch was scheduled to travel to the Canary Islands for two significant events but has decided to remain at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid. This decision follows a recent period of personal loss for the Queen, including the death of her cousin, Princess Tatiana Radsiwill, in Paris.
The cancellation affects two specific engagements. Queen Sofia was set to receive the Gorila 2024 Award from the Loro Parque Foundation and to be invested as a Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. These events have been postponed indefinitely as the Queen prioritizes her family's well-being during this difficult time.
Cancelled Engagements in Las Palmas
The decision to remain in Madrid means Queen Sofia will miss two high-profile ceremonies in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The first event involved the Fundación Loro Parque, which intended to honor the Queen with the Gorila 2024 Award. The second engagement was an academic recognition by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which planned to invest her as a Doctor Honoris Causa.
These cancellations highlight the severity of the situation regarding her sister's health. The Queen has prioritized family obligations over her public duties, choosing to stay at the Palacio de la Zarzuela. The residence currently hosts Princess Irene, who requires her sister's presence during this medical emergency.
Recent Personal Losses
This health crisis follows a period of grief for the royal family. On December 19, Queen Sofia lost her cousin, Princess Tatiana Radsiwill. The Queen attended the funeral services in Paris the previous weekend. She was accompanied by King Felipe VI and the Infantas Elena and Cristina.
The funeral also drew members of the Greek Royal Family. Queen Ana María and Prince Pablo of Greece were in attendance. The loss of her cousin, combined with her sister's current critical condition, represents a doubly difficult time for the former monarch.
Family Support and Current Status
Queen Sofia, aged 87, is currently focused on providing support to her sister, Princess Irene. The Princess is currently residing at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid. The Queen has suspended all travel plans to ensure she remains by her sister's side.
The situation underscores the close bond between the siblings. While the specific details of the Princess's condition remain private, the severity of the situation is evident by the Queen's decision to cancel her scheduled public appearances in the Canary Islands. The royal household is maintaining a focus on family privacy during this sensitive period.
