The issue of Princess Irina of Greece’s inheritance unexpectedly came to the forefront after her passing. A diamond circlet tiara, once belonging to her grandmother, has again captured public attention. This elegant diadem, adorned with diamond circles, was kept in the family’s collection for many years, but now its future is sparking debate and discussion among royal households.
After being exiled from Greece in the late 1960s, Irina left her homeland with her family, taking the family jewels with her. Although she was rarely seen in public wearing the pieces, the tiara did make notable appearances at a few significant events. One memorable occasion was a dinner in London in 1986, when Irina wore the diadem at a reception in honor of the Spanish king’s visit. The jewelry made an impression, once again garnering admiration from those present.
The tiara’s story dates back to the early 20th century, when Queen Sophia, Irina’s grandmother, wore it for portrait sittings. Later, the piece was passed down to Princess Catalina, who wore it at the wedding of the future King Juan Carlos and Princess Sophia. After that, the tiara came into Irina’s possession and became her favorite accessory at official events. The diadem’s lightness and simplicity made it an ideal choice for the young princess, while its family history only enhanced its value.
A new generation
Over the years, the tiara appeared in public less and less. Irina increasingly devoted herself to charity and a modest personal life, favoring simplicity in both dress and lifestyle. Nevertheless, the piece did not disappear from view: in the early 1990s, she lent it to her niece Elena for the wedding of Duke Friedrich of Württemberg. After that, the tiara vanished again from the social scene, only fueling curiosity about its fate.
In recent decades, Irina lived in Madrid, supporting her sister, Queen Sofía, at cultural and family events. Despite her closeness to the royal court, she preferred to stay out of the spotlight and avoided publicity. Her jewelry, including the famous tiara, remained part of her private collection, but was always available to relatives for special occasions.
In addition to the diamond circle tiara, Irina’s collection included another valuable heirloom—a diamond and pearl diadem that had belonged to her mother, Queen Frederica. This piece could be transformed into a necklace and also graced major family celebrations. Each of these jewels carried not only material worth, but also deep symbolic value for the dynasty.
Who will inherit the heirloom
Irina’s death left the family facing a difficult question: who will be the next owner of the historic tiara? According to unofficial reports, the jewelry collection could pass to Queen Sofía, but among the potential heirs, the Queen’s daughters—Infanta Elena and Cristina—are also mentioned, along with the granddaughters, including Leonor and Sofía. There is particular interest in the possibility that the tiara could be passed to either Leonor or Sofía, since both are closely linked to the future of the Spanish monarchy.
Royal circles do not rule out that the piece could be given to the younger of the sisters, in order to balance differences within the family collections. Such a move could become a symbol of continuity and strengthen ties between generations. However, there remains a risk that this heirloom may leave the royal household if it ends up in the hands of less interested heirs.
The fate of the tiara is of concern not only to the family, but also to monarchy enthusiasts. For many, this diadem is more than a piece of jewelry—it is a fragment of history, bound to dramatic events and personal destinies. The decision about its future could be a significant moment for the entire dynasty and spark a new wave of discussion in society.
Princess Irene of Greece, who passed away at the age of 83, was the younger sister of Queen Sofía and the daughter of King Paul I and Queen Frederica. Her life was closely intertwined with the dramatic changes in the history of Greece and Europe. Despite being forced into exile, Irene remained true to family traditions and devoted herself to charitable work. Her jewelry collection, including the famous diamond circle tiara, became a symbol of continuity and unity between the royal families of Spain and Greece.
