Queen Sofia of Spain Hospitalised

Queen Sofia of Spain, aged 85, has been admitted to the Ruber International Clinic in Madrid for treatment of a urinary tract infection. Her son, King Felipe, 56, confirmed her hospitalisation and reassured the public about her condition after visiting her bedside.

Despite concerns about her health, King Felipe stated to the media outside the hospital, "She is very well, cheerful and eager to be discharged and return as soon as possible." The duration of her stay at the health centre remains uncertain.

Sofia, the 'queen mother' of Spain since her husband King Juan Carlos abdicated the throne in 2014, has maintained a busy schedule of public engagements alongside her son Felipe and daughter-in-law, Queen Letizia.

Princess Sophia was born on November 2, 1938, at Tatoi Palace in Athens, Greece, to King Paul of Greece and Frederica of Hanover. As a member of the Greek branch of the Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg dynasty, she had a notable lineage, with her great-great-grandmother being Queen Victoria.

This familial connection made her a relative of both her close friends, the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

She attended the prestigious Schloss Salem boarding school in Southern Germany and later pursued studies in childcare, music, and archaeology in Athens.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Princess Sophia displayed a passion for yachting. She represented Greece as a reserve member of the Gold Medal-winning sailing team at the 1960 Summer Olympics, alongside her brother Constantine, who was the heir to the deposed Greek monarchy at the time.

Her marriage to Infante Juan Carlos of Spain in 1962 marked a significant moment in her life. Upon their marriage, she converted to Catholicism and adopted the name Sofia. Together, they have three children: Infanta Elena, Infanta Cristina, and King Felipe.

Throughout her reign as queen, Sofia has been actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors, serving as executive president of the Queen Sofia Foundation and holding honorary positions in several organisations aimed at education and care.

Despite her health setback, Queen Sofia's resilience and dedication to her duties are evident, reflecting her enduring commitment to her role within the Spanish monarchy.

(Source: Daily Mail UK)