The Spanish Royal Family showed support for one another as they attended the memorial service for Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark. The service was held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Saint Demetrius in Madrid, ahead of the late Princess’s funeral in Athens on Monday.
Princess Leonor, 20, and Infanta Sofía, 18, were pictured holding onto their grandmother, Queen Sofia of Spain. Princess Irene was the younger sister of King Constantine II of Greece and Queen Sofia of Spain. On Thursday, the Spanish palace confirmed Princess Irene had sadly passed away at the age of 85 following health issues.
The Spanish royal household said: “Their Majesties the King and Queen and Her Majesty Queen Sofia regret to announce the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Irene of Greece at 11.40am today at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.”
Queen Sofia cancelled engagements in Palma de Mallorca this week to be by her sister’s side after it was noted her health was declining.
She was last pictured at the wedding of her nephew, Prince Nikolaos of Greece, and Chrysi Vardinogiánni, in Athens in February of last year.
Princess Irene’s funeral will take place on Monday, January 19, with a service at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, followed by burial in the Royal Cemetery at Tatoi Palace.
Crown Prince Pavlos penned: “With deep sorrow, I mark the passing of my beloved aunt, Princess Irene of Greece. A woman of quiet strength, deep faith and steadfast devotion to family, her presence was at once gentle and unyielding and her values were not spoken, but lived—expressed in every act of devotion and care for those around her.
“Irene was a wellspring of wisdom, loyalty and love, a steady anchor for our family across time. Her loss leaves a silence that cannot be filled, but her memory will remain forever in our hearts.
“May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with those she loved. — Prince Pavlos de Grèce”