Queen Sofía smiling in the foreground with an old ivy-covered building in the background and two red exclamation marks.

It's official: Queen Sofía makes an important decision regarding Marivent Palace

An unexpected change marks Queen Sofía's summer, as she breaks with a deeply rooted tradition during this time of year

Queen Sofía has made a decision that marks an unexpected turn in her summer tradition. After years enjoying herself at Marivent Palace, this season her decision has surprised both the press and those around her. 

Speculation began after it became known that her sister, Princess Irene of Greece, was ill. For days, there were doubts about whether Queen Sofía would keep her routine of traveling to Mallorca. Finally, she was seen at Marivent with the kings, but her presence was as brief as it was significant.

Older woman with blonde hair and red clothing sitting at a table with a glass of water and a microphone in front of her
Marivent has been Queen Sofía's quintessential summer destination for decades | Europa Press

Marivent, the traditional refuge of Queen Sofía

Marivent Palace has always been the place chosen by Queen Sofía to enjoy the summer. This residence in Mallorca represents a space of tranquility and rest for her. For decades, it has been the setting for her summer seasons.

During these years, Marivent has not only been a refuge, but also a meeting point for her family. The queen has spent important moments there with her loved ones. The relaxed atmosphere of the palace has been key to her summers.

But this year, reality changed. Her sister's illness, Princess Irene of Greece, altered the routine. This situation led Queen Sofía to reconsider her usual stay in Mallorca.

Five people pose together outdoors, two of them holding a silver trophy, and all of them wearing elegant, colorful clothing.
The Queen spent only two days at Marivent to fulfill an official engagement before returning to Madrid | Instagram, @casareal.es

Only 48 hours at Marivent

After several weeks of speculation, Queen Sofía finally made a brief visit to Marivent Palace. She spent just 48 hours (48 horas) on the island, enough time to attend an official event with King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and her granddaughters. Her presence was discreet, punctual, and very far from the usual length of her stays.

The main reason was her sister Irene's delicate health. The queen decided not to stay away any longer and quickly returned to Madrid. Her priority was to be close to her sister during a difficult time.

This choice reflects an important change in her priorities. The brevity of her stay surprised those who had expected her throughout the summer. Queen Sofía has shown that family comes first.

Irene of Greece and Queen Sofia dressed in black, Irene in a wheelchair and Sofia standing holding a bag, with people in the background. Tweet from August 1, 2024
Queen Sofía has decided to stay in Madrid for the entire summer to accompany her ill sister | Twitter, @Josemn1_

Queen Sofía's decision

After this short visit, there was talk of a possible return to Mallorca to spend the rest of the summer. However, it was confirmed that she will not return to Marivent Palace. She has decided to stay in Madrid for the rest of the summer for a good reason.

This decision is due to the delicate state of health of her sister, Princess Irene of Greece. After Irene's delicate health was confirmed, Queen Sofía has wanted to remain by her side at all times. This gesture reflects her strong sense of duty and commitment to her family.

Thus, the summer tradition that Queen Sofía has kept for decades is broken for the first time in many years. Marivent Palace will be without her presence, something that hasn't happened since very specific and exceptional times. This will be a different summer for the monarch, focused entirely on what truly matters: her family.