Princess Irene of Greece has recently announced a decision that marks a turning point in her life and also in her sister Queen Sofía's life. At 83 years old and with delicate health, she has expressed her wish to return to Greece to rest there permanently. She has lived for decades in the Zarzuela Palace, but she feels that the time has come to return to her roots.
This step represents a deep change for Sofía, since Irene is the only close family she has left in Spain. Since their mother, Queen Frederica, passed away in 1981, both sisters have lived together, sharing a very intimate daily life. The relationship between them has always been very close, with a trust and companionship that is now threatened by this imminent farewell.
The princess's health has worsened significantly in recent years. She has experienced severe cognitive decline and has lost much of her mobility, to the point that she no longer appears in public. During recent summers, she was seen in a wheelchair in Marivent, but now she can't even make those discreet appearances.
Irene's decision hasn't been impulsive, but deeply considered. Her wish to rest in Greece means she wants to be buried in her native country, far from Zarzuela. This gesture has moved Sofía, who has always considered her sister her main personal support within institutional and family life.
Everything will change for Queen Sofía
For the emeritus queen, this departure will be very hard. Although she has the support of her children and grandchildren, Irene's daily presence has been her greatest comfort for more than four decades. Losing her will mean facing a much more visible and painful loneliness inside the palace.
In the privacy of Zarzuela, Princess Irene has been a key figure in keeping Sofía's emotional balance. After difficult years within the royal family, she has witnessed all the crises, joys, and silences. Now that the end of this coexistence is near, everything will change for the queen.
King Felipe VI has also shown special attention at this time. He has always had deep affection for his aunt, whom he considers a discreet but very important figure within the family environment. In recent months, he has increased his presence with her, aware that this is a slow but inevitable farewell.
According to Monarquía Confidencial, the Royal Household is already preparing to face this process with the utmost delicacy. Irene is very loved by everyone, and her departure will not only affect her sister, but also the family balance. They seek to prevent Sofía from being left completely alone in an environment that is increasingly reduced for her.
For years, Princess Irene has rejected any public prominence. She has always preferred to stay on the sidelines of institutional life, but her role within the queen's personal sphere has been essential. That silent contribution is now more visible given the possibility of her definitive absence.
Princess Irene wants to rest in Greece
In Greece, her return would be symbolically very important. Although she spent most of her life abroad, she has always kept the bond with her origins. Her wish to be buried there responds to a gesture of nostalgia and a will to reconcile with her country.
Queen Sofía thus faces one of the most difficult moments of her private life. Accustomed to containing emotions and keeping serenity in public, this time she faces a loss she won't be able to hide. Irene's departure will leave an irreplaceable void in her daily life.
The immediate future will be marked by this emotional transition. Zarzuela, already a quiet place, will become even more introspective without Princess Irene's presence. The emeritus queen, who has gone through many lonely stages, is entering another of greater personal intensity.
In circles close to the Royal Household, the silent and firm role Irene has played for decades is valued. She has been a pillar for Sofía, and also a symbol of discretion and loyalty. Her farewell will be sad, but also dignified, as her whole life has been.
Everything indicates that this will be the princess's last great step, a gradual and serene goodbye. There won't be official statements or institutional acts to mark it. But within the most intimate environment of Zarzuela, the change will be total and definitive.