Spain’s royal family is in mourning: Tatiana Radziwill, cousin and loyal companion of Queen Sofia, has passed away at the age of 87. Her death coincided with Infanta Elena’s birthday and came just before Christmas, making the loss especially painful for every member of the royal house. For Queen Mother Sofia, it is more than the loss of a relative — it is a farewell to someone who stood by her side throughout her life, offering support in difficult times and sharing moments of joy.
Tatiana, affectionately called Tatan by her family, was an integral part of the summer gatherings in Marivent for many years. Every season, she would travel to Mallorca to spend time with Sofia and her sister Irene. In recent years, Tatiana’s health had noticeably declined, and she relied on a wheelchair for mobility, yet she always remained close to her loved ones.
Childhood and Youth
Tatiana Radziwill was born in 1939 in Rouen, France. Her childhood was shaped by exile and the hardships of wartime. The family was forced to leave their homeland because of World War II, an experience that left a lasting mark on her later life. Despite these challenges, Tatiana received an excellent education: she studied medicine, specializing in bacteriology and nursing at the University of Paris. In addition, she spoke several languages fluently and was an accomplished pianist.
In 1966, Tatiana married Jean-Henri Fruchaud, a renowned French cardiologist and aristocrat. The couple had two children, Alexis and Fabiola, and later became grandparents. Despite their noble background, the family always preferred to stay out of the spotlight, avoiding media attention and publicity.
Connection to the Royal Family
Sofía and Tatiana’s friendship began in childhood, when both found themselves in South Africa during the war. Their family ties were close: Tatiana’s mother, Princess Eugenie of Greece, was Sofía’s father’s cousin. This family bond grew into a genuine friendship that lasted for over seventy years. Tatiana was present at the most important moments of Sofía’s life, including her wedding to the future King Juan Carlos in 1962, where Tatiana was one of the main bridesmaids.
Sofía often noted that it was Tatiana who supported her through the most difficult times. Their relationship was built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine affection. Tatiana always remained in the background, never seeking fame, but her influence on the life of the Queen Mother was immense.
Personality and Legacy
Tatiana Radziwill was known for her modesty, refinement, and devotion to family. She favored solitude and a quiet life, yet was always ready to help her loved ones. She was described as a person of rare education and broad outlook, able to converse knowledgeably on any subject. For Queen Sofia, Tatiana was not just a relative, but also a true friend with whom she could share her innermost thoughts.
The summer gatherings at Marivent became a cherished tradition for both women, one they preserved for decades. Now, with Tatiana gone, those days will never be the same. Her passing left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew her.
In case you didn’t know, Tatiana Radziwill came from the ancient Polish-Lithuanian princely family of Radziwill, which played a significant role in European history. Her mother, Princess Eugenia, was a member of the Greek royal family, and her father was Prince Dominik Radziwill. Thanks to these connections, Tatiana moved in the highest circles of European aristocracy from childhood, yet always remained a modest and reserved person. Her name will forever remain in history as a symbol of loyalty and friendship.
