The life of Princess Irene of Greece, younger sister of Queen Sofía, has always been shrouded in an air of mystery and understated elegance. After the monarchy in Greece fell in 1967, she forever changed her approach to royal regalia. Unlike many members of her dynasty, Irene almost completely stopped wearing tiaras, making only a few exceptions in the 1980s. Her choice became a symbol of inner freedom and respect for family history—without reverence for the external trappings of power.
The farewell to the princess was held in Madrid, gathering nearly all members of the royal family and figures from the Spanish elite. On this day, a special atmosphere reigned in the cathedral of San Andres y San Dimitrio: sorrow mingled with memories of lost grandeur. After the ceremony, Irene’s body was transported to Athens to rest beside her brother Konstantinos at the Tatoi Palace cemetery.
Family Jewels
In her youth, Irene often attended official receptions, shining in unique pieces from her mother Queen Frederica’s collection. Two tiaras were of particular importance in her ensembles: a circular diamond diadem and a tiara-necklace with pearls and diamonds. The first, crafted as interlocking rings, adorned Irene at the wedding of her brother Konstantinos and Princess Anne-Marie in Athens. Later, this tiara passed to Sofía’s younger daughter—Princess Catalina—but it was Irene who first introduced it to the public.
The pearl and diamond tiara-necklace was first worn by Irina in 1954 as a necklace. She paired this piece with other family heirlooms at state visits and official ceremonies. After King Paul’s death, part of the collection passed to Queen Anne-Marie, but Irina retained the right to wear some of the most valuable relics.
Life in exile
Irina’s fate was inseparably linked to exile. She was born in South Africa when her family was forced to leave Greece during World War II. After a brief return to their homeland and the subsequent final fall of the monarchy, Irina accompanied her mother on numerous trips around the world. Following Queen Frederica’s death in 1981, she settled in Madrid, where she became an integral part of Spanish royal life.
In 1986, Irina founded the World In Harmony charitable foundation, dedicating herself to helping those in need. Her interest in Eastern religions and her ascetic lifestyle stood in stark contrast to the luxury in which she was raised. Despite this, Irina always remained true to family traditions, though she expressed them in her own way.
Legendary jewels
From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, Irina was frequently seen in public wearing unique jewelry pieces. Among them was a necklace of interwoven diamond rings, which she began wearing in 1964, and a pendant set with a large pear-shaped pink stone. According to experts, this could have been a kunzite or topaz, a gift from her parents in her youth. This pendant became more than just an ornament for Irina—it turned into a personal talisman that accompanied her at official receptions and in everyday life.
Over the years, the tiaras that once adorned Irina disappeared from the public eye. However, the pendant with the pink stone remained with her until the end of her life, serving as a reminder of family values and personal memories. Unlike many other members of royal households, Irina was not interested in flaunting her status through precious jewels, choosing instead modesty and inner harmony.
Final Farewell
The funeral of Irina of Greece became an event that brought together people of different generations and countries. Her passing marked the end of an era when royal jewels symbolized not only power, but also personal history. Remembering Irina, many recall her modesty, strength of character, and her ability to remain true to herself even in the most difficult circumstances.
Today, the jewelry that once sparkled at balls and receptions is kept in family collections and rarely appears in public. Yet the memory of the princess—her style and life journey—continues to inspire those who value not just outward luxury, but also inner resilience.
RUSSPAIN reminds that Irene of Greece was the younger sister of Queen Sofía and daughter of Queen Frederica. She was born in 1942 in Cape Town and, after her family was exiled from Greece, lived in several countries. Since 1981, she settled in Madrid, where she was actively involved in charity work and maintained close ties with the Spanish royal family. Her foundation, World In Harmony, continues to assist those in need.
