The Spanish royal family is going through difficult days: Princess Irene of Greece, aunt of King Felipe VI and sister of Queen Mother Sofia, has passed away. Her loss has become a real ordeal for the family, since Irene was not just a relative, but a person who for many years united two dynasties—Spanish and Greek. Her departure has left a profound void, especially for Sofia, who has had to say goodbye to two loved ones in a short time.
Irene’s funeral will be held in Tatoi, where members from both royal families will gather. The ceremony is expected to have a special atmosphere—unofficial, yet very personal and moving. Despite lacking official state status, the farewell to Irene promises to be one of the most emotional moments for everyone present.
All eyes are on the decision of King Felipe and Queen Letizia: will they allow their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, to take part in a family mourning for the first time? Until now, their parents have shielded them from public ceremonies, but with both daughters having reached adulthood, things are changing. The issue of Leonor and Sofia’s presence at the funeral is being discussed privately, as it is not only a family event but also an important milestone in the future queen’s coming of age.
Family traditions
The royal families of Spain and Greece have always placed great importance on family rituals. Bidding farewell to Irene is no exception. All senior members of the dynasties have been invited to the ceremony, including Infantas Elena and Cristina, who were especially close to their aunt. Their presence underscores the significance of the moment and the respect for Irene’s memory.
Queen Sofía holds a special place in this event. The loss of her sister is a heavy blow, as she is now the sole surviving child of King Paul and Queen Frederica. Felipe and Letizia are expected to support Sofía throughout the ceremony, demonstrating the family’s unity during this difficult time.
It remains unclear whether third-generation members—children of Pablo and Marie-Chantal Miller, as well as descendants of Elena and Cristina—will attend the funeral. However, within royal circles, it is believed that such events should not be missed, as they shape family memory and continuity.
Leonor and Sofía’s Debut
For Leonor and Sofía, this could be their first experience attending a mourning ceremony of this scale. Previously, they did not participate in King Constantine’s funeral in 2023 due to their age. Now both are adults, and their appearance at Irene’s farewell will symbolize a new chapter in their lives and roles within the family.
The decision regarding the daughters’ presence at the funeral is being made with the parents’ desire to preserve as much personal space for them as possible. However, this time, the arguments in favor of Leonor and Sofía’s participation outweigh the concerns: the ceremony involves a close relative, not just a formal state event. The royal family believes this step will help the girls feel like part of the broader dynasty and learn to cope with difficult moments.
If they do attend, Leonor and Sofía will find themselves in the spotlight not only as heirs, but also as mature family members able to support their loved ones in a time of grief. This event may serve as a kind of test of their maturity and readiness for future responsibilities.
Emotions and support
The funeral of Irene of Greece promises to be not only a family gathering, but also a public event. Media and public attention is focused on every move of the royal family. If Leonor and Sofía do take part in the ceremony, their behavior will be watched especially closely.
Moments like these make it clear how important support within the family truly is. King Felipe and Queen Letizia, despite their official duties, show care for their daughters and try to shield them from unnecessary pressure. Yet life in the royal family leaves little room for privacy—every decision is discussed and scrutinized by society.
Irene’s passing served as a reminder of the fragility of family bonds and the importance of cherishing loved ones. For Leonor and Sofia, this is not only a personal loss but also an important lesson that will stay with them for life.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Princess Leonor is the heir to the Spanish throne and the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Her younger sister, Infanta Sofia, also plays a significant role in the royal family. Both girls have been in the public eye since childhood, but their parents strive to give them as normal an upbringing as possible and ease their transition into official duties. Princess Irene of Greece, who passed away, was not only a relative but also a close friend to many family members.
