Spain’s royal family attend memorial service « Euro Weekly News

Spain’s Royal Family attended a memorial service on Friday 17 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Saint Demetrius in Madrid, to honour the life of Princess Irene of Greece, who died earlier this week aged 83.

The Requiem Mass was attended by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, accompanied by their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. Also present was Queen Sofía, sister of the late princess, who shared a lifelong bond with Irene and lived alongside her in Madrid for many years.

The service took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Saint Demetrius, a significant place of worship for Madrid’s Greek community. Clergy led traditional Orthodox rites as family members and close mourners gathered in quiet reflection, marking the passing of a royal figure whose life was defined by discretion rather than public ceremony.

A private royal with deep ties to Spain

Princess Irene of Greece passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, at Zarzuela Palace, the official residence of Spain’s Royal Family. Although born into the former Greek royal household, she spent much of her adult life in Spain following political changes in Greece and the abolition of the monarchy.

Often regarded as the most private of her siblings, Princess Irene deliberately remained outside public royal duties. She was known instead for her academic interests, philosophical studies and humanitarian concerns. A respected intellectual, she translated religious and philosophical texts and maintained a strong interest in interfaith dialogue, social justice and cultural exchange.

Her close relationship with Queen Sofía was a defining feature of her life in Spain. The sisters lived together for decades, sharing a household and maintaining a notably close familial connection. During the service, Queen Sofía appeared composed but visibly moved, supported by her son and granddaughters as the family paid their respects.

Funeral plans and a farewell rooted in heritage

The presence of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía at the memorial was seen as a gesture of respect and continuity, reflecting the importance placed on family duty within the Spanish monarchy. Their attendance also highlighted the multigenerational nature of the occasion, linking past and present royal traditions.

Following the memorial service in Madrid, Princess Irene will be laid to rest in Greece at the Royal Cemetery of Tatoi Palace. She will be buried alongside her brother, King Constantine II of Greece, who died in 2023. The arrangements mirror those made for King Constantine, underscoring the family’s enduring ties to Greece despite decades spent in exile.

While Princess Irene never sought public attention, her death has prompted reflection across European royal circles. Her life, lived largely away from official duties, was marked by loyalty to family, intellectual pursuit and quiet service rather than ceremony.

As Spain’s Royal Family returns to its official engagements, the Requiem Mass in Madrid stands as a dignified farewell to a woman whose personal legacy bridged two royal histories. For many observers, it was a reminder that influence and respect are not always measured by visibility, but by constancy, character and devotion across generations.