The death of Princess Irina of Greece came as a real shock to the Spanish royal family. In January 2026, farewell ceremonies were held in Madrid, attended by nearly all members of the dynasty. However, the absence of two key figures—King Juan Carlos and his grandson Froilán—sparked many questions and discussions.
While mourning events were taking place in the Spanish capital and preparations for the funeral were underway in Athens, Froilán remained in Abu Dhabi. His decision not to accompany the family to such an important occasion is explained not only by distance or work commitments, but also by deep personal motives related to his relationship with his grandfather.
Family support
Froilán, the eldest grandson of King Juan Carlos, has been living in the United Arab Emirates for several years. During this time, his life has changed dramatically: he has distanced himself from Madrid’s social scene and focused on work and personal growth. But the most significant change has been his close bond with his grandfather, who, after leaving Spain, found himself isolated from his usual social circle.
In recent months, the relationship between Froilán and Juan Carlos has grown especially close. The grandson not only supports his grandfather emotionally, but also tries to be there for him in the toughest moments. This was the decisive factor in Froilán’s decision not to travel to either Madrid or Athens—he did not want to leave the king alone at a time when he especially needed the support of his family.
Life in exile
Moving to Abu Dhabi was more than just a change of location for Froilán; it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Here, he works for a large international company, handling logistics, marketing, and protocol issues. His daily routine now includes business meetings, sports, and a calm social life, far removed from past scandals and parties.
In the Emirates, Froilán found stability and self-confidence. He rarely appears in public, avoids unnecessary attention, and prefers to spend time with a close circle of friends and family. In this new environment, he has been able to rethink his priorities and become more responsible—something even his loved ones have noticed.
A difficult choice
Deciding to stay in Abu Dhabi was not easy for Froilán. He sincerely wanted to say goodbye to Princess Irina, whom he had known since childhood and to whom he was deeply attached. However, his sense of duty to his grandfather proved stronger. This time, he chose not a public gesture, but personal support—which may have mattered more than any official ceremony.
This decision reflects Froilán’s maturity and ability to set priorities. In royal families, where tradition and protocol often outweigh personal feelings, such a choice is especially bold. He demonstrated that real loyalty is sometimes shown not in public, but in quietly supporting those closest to you.
Family reaction
The Spanish royal family received Froilán’s decision with understanding. Although his absence from the funeral raised questions among the public, his relatives know how strong his bond is with Juan Carlos. For many, this gesture confirmed that family ties can outweigh official duties.
At the same time, the absence of Froilán and the king at Irina’s farewell became a notable event for both Spanish and Greek media. Discussions are still ongoing, and Froilán himself prefers not to comment on his decision, staying true to his new lifestyle — away from unnecessary attention.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Froilán de Marichalar is the eldest son of Infanta Elena and the grandson of King Juan Carlos I. After a series of scandals in Spain, he moved to Abu Dhabi, where he works for a large international company and leads a private life. His relationship with his grandfather is considered one of the closest in the royal family, and Froilán is gradually stepping away from public life, prioritizing personal growth and family values.
