"Farewell to Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark: A Life of Service and Humility" By Carlo Coppola
MADRID – Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark, the younger sister of Queen Sofia of Spain, has passed away at the age of 83. A figure widely beloved for her dedication, humility, and a life lived far from scandal, she leaves behind a legacy of quiet strength and profound spirituality.
Born on May 11, 1942, in Cape Town, South Africa, Princess Irene arrived during a period of upheaval. The Greek Royal Family had sought refuge there during World War II. As the third child of King Paul and Queen Frederica, she grew up alongside her siblings, Sofia and Constantine, moving between South Africa and Greece.
From a young age, Irene displayed extraordinary musical talent. An accomplished pianist, she made her professional debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall in 1969, earning acclaim from both audiences and critics. Beyond music, she was a scholar of philosophy and archaeology, a polyglot, and a passionate sports enthusiast.
Her life took a radical turn in 1967 following the military coup in Greece and the subsequent deposition of her brother, King Constantine II. After a period of exile, she moved to India with her mother. It was there that she immersed herself in Advaita Vedānta—one of the most rigorous schools of Hindu philosophy—and embraced a lifelong vegan lifestyle.
Following the death of Queen Frederica in 1981, Irene moved to Madrid to be with her sister, Sofia, then Queen of Spain. For over forty years, she lived in a modest apartment within the Zarzuela Palace, eschewing the spotlight to become the emotional bedrock of the Spanish Royal Family. In 2018, she officially became a Spanish citizen.
Choosing to never marry or have children, she became a "second mother" to her nieces, nephews, and their children, who affectionately called her "Aunt Pecu" (short for peculiar, referring to her unique and eccentric spirit).
Driven by a desire to serve others, she founded the charitable organization World in Harmony in 1986. She famously shunned luxury, preferring a life of simplicity and charitable work.
In her final years, the Princess battled a severe cognitive decline. Her last public appearance was in August 2024. Queen Sofia remained by her side until the very end, canceling all official engagements to provide constant care.
The Final Farewell
Princess Irene passed away on January 15, 2026, at 11:40 AM at Zarzuela Palace.
Madrid Memorial: A commemorative service was held on Sunday, January 18, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Andrew and Demetrios, attended by the entire Spanish Royal Family.
Athens Funeral: Following her final wishes, her body was transported to Athens. Funerals took place on Monday, January 19, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.
Burial: She was laid to rest on Monday afternoon at the Tatoi Royal Cemetery, beside her parents and her brother, Constantine II.
With the passing of Princess Irene, a chapter of 20th-century Greek history closes. She was a woman who deliberately chose to live away from the trappings of power, proving that true nobility is found in humility, service, and devotion to one’s family.
