In the heart of Madrid, within the humble walls of the Orthodox Cathedral of San Andrés y San Demetrio, an unforgettable scene unfolded. The farewell to Princess Irina of Greece drew not only members of the Spanish royal family, but also friends and dignitaries. On this day, even the church walls seemed imbued with a special silence and reverence for the departed.
The funeral ceremony lasted only twenty minutes, but every moment carried deep significance. The music, chosen by Queen Sofía, created a unique atmosphere: the immortal works of Bach and Mozart echoed through the hall, underscoring the magnitude of the occasion. The Greek flag and the dynasty’s coat of arms draped the casket, which was carried out to a funeral march by the Royal Guard’s honor escort.
Family support
The royal family arrived at the cathedral shortly before noon. Queen Letizia was the first to step out of the car, followed by King Felipe. They were accompanied by Queen Sofía and Princess Leonor, who sheltered her grandmother under an umbrella to protect her from the drizzle. Infanta Sofía walked slightly behind, alone, holding back her emotions. All the women wore somber black outfits, emphasizing the gravity of the occasion. Particular attention was drawn to Queen Sofía’s sneakers—this unexpected detail sparked a storm of discussion on social media.
Inside the cathedral, there was an atmosphere of unity and support. Letizia and Sofía exchanged brief glances and quiet words that did not go unnoticed. In those moments, even the most reserved family members allowed themselves to show their feelings: some squeezed the hand of a neighbor, others discreetly wiped away a tear. King Juan Carlos’s absence was attributed to his health, while Froilán was unable to come to support his mother. Both are expected to join the family in Athens, where the burial will take place.
Guests and atmosphere
Among those invited were not only relatives, but close friends and representatives of the authorities. They included the president of the Madrid community Isabel Díaz Ayuso and the city mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida. Their presence underlined the importance of the event for the entire country. Each guest offered condolences and supported the family, not hiding their emotions.
After the ceremony, the princess’s coffin was sent to Athens. There, in the gardens of the Tatoi Palace, Irina will be buried alongside her parents and other members of the Greek royal family. This moment will mark the final chapter in the life story of a woman who left a lasting mark on many hearts.
Subtle details
On this day, special attention was given to details that are not always immediately visible. Gestures of support, faint smiles through tears, strong embraces — all of it created the sense of a true family, united in a difficult hour. Even the choice of music and the ceremony’s arrangement spoke of deep respect for Irina’s memory.
On social media, people discussed not only the royal family’s appearance, but also their behavior. Many noted that despite their grief, Letizia and her daughters showed strength and dignity. Moments like these reveal that behind official titles are real people, capable of genuine emotion.
RUSSPAIN reminds readers that Queen Letizia is the wife of King Felipe VI and one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Spain. She is known for her composure, elegance, and ability to support her loved ones during difficult times. Princess Irene of Greece was the younger sister of Queen Sofía and always maintained close ties with the Spanish royal family. Her passing was a significant event not only for her relatives, but also for the broader public.
