Felipe VI with a beard smiles while Queen Sofía appears in a red circle in the upper right corner.

A spokesperson for King Felipe admits what many suspect about Queen Sofía

From Zarzuela, King Felipe VI's spokesperson has confirmed a key piece of news that directly affects Queen Sofía

For weeks, Queen Sofía's figure has been surrounded by rumors that have raised concern among citizens. Her absence from official events was interpreted as a sign that something was happening in her closest family circle

The media spotlight was on her delicate personal situation, marked by her sister Irene of Greece's health. Her decision to step away from public life for a while only reinforced doubts about her role in the Royal Household. Now, an official statement has clarified the situation.

Queen Sofia smiling and saluting with a white scarf on her body and Irene of Greece holding her
Sofía was forced to step away from her schedule due to her sister Irene's health | Europa Press

The rumor that set off all the alarms

Concern began weeks ago when several media outlets reported a rough patch in Queen Sofía's life. The news of her sister Irene's health relapse was a hard blow for her and led her to take action. The monarch decided to pause her institutional commitments and focus on caring for her family.

That gesture sparked countless comments about her personal state. Some even speculated that the emeritus queen might give up spending the summer in Marivent. For many, that was confirmation that she was going through one of the most delicate moments of her life.

The Royal Household's silence helped fuel suspicions. However, this Tuesday a Zarzuela spokesperson wanted to put an end to the doubts. He confirmed that Queen Sofía has resumed part of her official agenda and is doing so with determination.

Queen Sofía, wearing a green suit, shakes hands with a man in a dark suit while two other people watch in the background next to a car.
A spokesperson confirmed that Queen Sofía has resumed part of her schedule | Europa Press

The official confirmation of her return

The statement released by the Royal Household put an end to the rumors. It emphasized that Doña Sofía keeps a firm commitment to her duties. The note highlighted that, despite the difficulties, she remains an active member of the institution.

The first event on her agenda was the International Congress on Neurodegenerative Diseases held in Elche. There, she inaugurated the sessions and presided over the official event for World Alzheimer's Day. Her Foundation is actively involved in organizing this annual gathering.

That same day, the queen attended a concert at the Basilica of Santa María, with the Capella and Escolanía del Misteri d’Elx. The event was part of the congress's cultural program. Her presence was warmly received by attendees, who appreciated her involvement.

The deputy general of Álava, Ramiro González; Queen Sofía with a smiling face and the mayor of Vitoria, Maider Etxebarria, meet during their visit to the headquarters of the Álava Food Bank Association, in the Júndiz industrial estate in Vitoria-Gasteiz, on January 22, 2024
Queen Sofía will travel to the United States for a new official engagement | Europa Press

Her return to activity is not limited solely to the national sphere. This week, Doña Sofía has set off for the United States to fulfill new commitments. Her presence will strengthen the international projection of the Spanish monarchy.

Yesterday and today, the emeritus queen is presiding over the II America&Spain250 Symposium in Washington. The event will take place at Constitution Hall and will discuss the historical link between Spain and American democracy.

Before this event, the queen will lead the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Queen Sofía Spanish Institute in New York. Under the theme "Spain and the Birth of American Democracy," the gathering will bring together international experts. Her participation confirms that she keeps an active role on the international stage.