Princess Irene of Greece Passes Away at 83

Madrid, 15 January 2026 – Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark, the youngest sister of Queen Sofia of Spain and the late King Constantine II of the Hellenes, died peacefully at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid at the age of 83. The Spanish royal household announced her passing at 11:40, noting that Queen Sofia had cancelled public engagements to remain by her side during her final days.

Family Background and Early Life

Princess Irene was born on 11 May 1942 in Cape Town, South Africa, where her family had sought refuge during the Second World War. She was the third child and second daughter of King Paul of the Hellenes and Queen Frederica. Her siblings included Queen Sofia, who married King Juan Carlos of Spain, and King Constantine II, the last reigning monarch of Greece, who died in January 2023.

The family returned to Greece in 1946, and Irene grew up in Athens, attending the Schloss Salem School in Germany. She pursued studies in archaeology and philosophy, and became a talented pianist, training under the renowned Greek concert pianist Gina Bachauer. Irene briefly served as heiress presumptive to the Greek throne between her father’s death in 1964 and the birth of her niece Princess Alexia in 1965.

Life in Exile and Humanitarian Work

Following the 1967 coup that overthrew the Greek monarchy, Irene went into exile with her family. She lived in Rome and later India, where she studied Vedanta philosophy. After her mother’s death in 1981, she moved to Madrid, residing in an apartment at the Zarzuela Palace alongside her sister Queen Sofia.

Irene never married and remained unmarried throughout her life. She was linked romantically to Prince Michel of Orléans in the 1960s, but he married elsewhere. In 1986, she founded the World in Harmony organisation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting compassion for animals and humanitarian causes. She obtained Spanish citizenship in 2018, renouncing her Greek nationality.

Key Facts

Final Years and Passing

In her later years, Princess Irene suffered from progressive cognitive impairment, which had weakened her significantly. She was last seen publicly at the wedding of her nephew Prince Nikolaos of Greece in February 2025, where she attended in a wheelchair, accompanied by Queen Sofia and Infanta Cristina. Queen Sofia had cancelled engagements in Palma de Mallorca earlier in January to stay by her sister’s side as her condition became critical.

Princess Irene will be interred at Tatoi, the royal family’s burial ground in Greece. Her death marks a profound loss for the Spanish and Greek royal families, who mourn the passing of a beloved sister and aunt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Princess Irene of Greece?

Princess Irene was the youngest daughter of King Paul of the Hellenes and Queen Frederica, and the sister of Queen Sofia of Spain and the late King Constantine II. She was known for her musical talents, humanitarian work, and close family ties.

Why did Princess Irene never marry?

Irene remained unmarried, though she was romantically linked to Prince Michel of Orléans in her youth. She dedicated her life to philanthropy and family instead of marriage.

What was Princess Irene’s role in World in Harmony?

She founded the organisation in 1986 to promote compassion for animals and support humanitarian efforts, serving as its president until her death.

How did Queen Sofia react to her sister’s passing?

Queen Sofia cancelled public engagements to be with Irene during her final days and was deeply affected by the loss, as the sisters shared a lifelong close bond.