King and Queen of Spain Attend Memorial Service for Princess Irene of Greece

Queen Letizia of Spain and King Felipe VI attended a prayer service on Friday in memory of Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark, who died at the age of 83.

The service took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Andrew and Demetrius in Madrid, drawing members of Europe’s royal families despite heavy rain. Princess Irene died on Thursday at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, with her sister, former Queen of Spain Sofía, at her side.

In a statement released the same day, the Spanish royal household announced that King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Queen Sofía mourned the passing of Princess Irene at 11:40 a.m.

Queen Sofía arrived at the cathedral accompanied by her grandchildren, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. Other relatives and dignitaries also attended, many carrying black umbrellas as they entered the church.

Princess Irene’s funeral is scheduled for January 19.

Born on May 11, 1942, in Cape Town, South Africa, Princess Irene was the daughter of King Paul and Queen Frederica of the Hellenes. Her parents lived in exile at the time after Greece fell to Axis forces during World War II. The family returned to Greece in 1947, when King Paul ascended the throne.

Princess Irene trained as a pianist from a young age under renowned musician Gina Bachauer and later pursued a professional career. She performed as a concert pianist during the 1970s and received a standing ovation at London’s Royal Festival Hall in 1969.

Although she never married or had children, Princess Irene maintained a close bond with her siblings, Queen Sofía and her brother Constantine II, the last King of Greece. Her nieces and nephews affectionately called her “Aunt Pecu,” a nickname reflecting her eccentric and independent personality.

Political instability shaped much of her early life. Following the death of King Paul in 1964, Constantine II ascended the throne at age 23, but civil unrest and a military coup in 1967 forced him into exile. Greece abolished the monarchy in 1973.

Amid the upheaval, Princess Irene and Queen Frederica relocated to India, marking another chapter in a life shaped by displacement, artistic pursuit, and quiet dedication to her family.