This year, the Bourbon family spent the Christmas holidays in a cozy, private atmosphere, though not without a few surprises. Queen Sofía, who is going through a difficult time after the passing of her cousin Tatiana Radziwill, decided to take her mind off her grief by spending time with those closest to her. Instead of the usual festive events, she opted for a cultural stroll through Madrid, inviting her daughters—Infanta Elena and Cristina—as well as Olympia Beracasa, the girlfriend of her grandson Miguel Urdangarin.
While King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia celebrated the holiday in a close family circle, and Infantas Elena and Cristina visited their father, Queen Sofía chose to spend the evening with her sister Irene. After the traditional dinner and attending mass, she decided to treat herself and her daughters to a special day filled with art and memories.
Family Support
The challenges of recent times have inevitably affected the queen mother’s mood. Her sister’s illness, public discussion of her husband’s memoirs, and the recent loss of a close relative have made this winter especially difficult. Sofia’s daughters, understanding how important it was to be together, organized a surprise for her—a joint visit to the exhibition dedicated to Queen Victoria Eugenia at the Royal Collections Gallery.
Olympia Beracasa also joined them, which came as a surprise even to those who closely follow the royal family. Miguel Urdangarin, son of Infanta Cristina, sat this one out—this event was a ladies-only affair.
A Journey Through History
On the appointed day, precisely at noon, the royal group arrived at the museum, having notified staff of their visit in advance for security reasons. Instead of taking a private tour, they chose to blend in with the regular visitors, which sparked considerable interest from those around them. Sofía and her companions examined the exhibits with enthusiasm, particularly those dedicated to the life of Victoria Eugenia Battenberg—the wife of Alfonso XIII and great-grandmother of the current monarch.
Special attention was drawn to the Flor de Lis tiara, which Queen Letizia received as a gift from Felipe VI upon his accession to the throne. This jewel is considered one of the most valuable pieces in the royal collection. Equally impressive was the royal carriage used by Victoria Eugenia and Alfonso XIII following their wedding in 1906. It was on this occasion that an assassination attempt claimed the lives of 23 people.
Traditions and New Faces
After their fascinating tour, the women treated themselves to a visit to the gallery’s gift shop, where they picked out memorable souvenirs to mark the day. This gesture once again highlighted just how seamlessly Olympia Beracasa has become part of the Bourbon family circle.
The visit was not just a way to support Sofía, but also an opportunity for everyone present to feel connected to a larger history. This year, the exhibition on Victoria Eugenia coincided with the release of a TV miniseries about her life, lending a special atmosphere to the event.
In case you didn’t know, Queen Sofía is the wife of former King Juan Carlos I and the mother of the current monarch Felipe VI. She is known for her commitment to tradition, charitable work, and particular focus on cultural affairs. Sofía was born in Greece but has dedicated most of her life to Spain. Her daughters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina, are also actively involved in the country’s public life. Olympia Beracasa, the new companion of Sofía’s grandson, has been making more frequent appearances at family events, signaling her special status within royal circles.
