20.01.2026 15:12
Princess Irini of Greece and Denmark passed away in Madrid at the age of 83. Throughout her life, Irini supported the political struggles of the monarchy and was recognized as a talented pianist in the field of classical music. She showed great interest in humanitarian aid, culture, and education. After the coup in 1967, she left Greece and lived in England, India, and Spain. Irini's death marks the end of an era symbolizing the integration of European monarchies and their shared cultural heritage.
Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark passed away in Madrid at the age of 83 on January 15, 2026, after a long-standing health issue. Her death at the Zarzuela Palace caused deep sorrow in European royal circles.
Princess Irene was born on May 11, 1942, in Cape Town, South Africa; her family was in exile due to the Nazi occupation during World War II. The royal family returned to Greece in 1946 and reestablished the monarchy. Irene, the daughter of King Paul and Queen Frederika, was one of the youngest children of the royal family.
Throughout her life, Irene supported the political struggles of the monarchy from the background without directly participating. In the 1960s, she performed professionally as a talented pianist in the field of classical music. However, her main interests were in humanitarian aid, culture, and education; she studied archaeology, the history of religions, and philosophy from a young age.
After the abolition of the monarchy in the 1967 coup and its complete termination in 1973, Irene left Greece and lived abroad for many years. The princess, who lived intermittently in England, India, and Spain, was particularly interested in Eastern philosophies and spiritual studies during her years in India.
WHAT WAS HER CONNECTION TO THE BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY?
The connection of former Princess Irene of Greece to the British Royal Family was based not on a direct throne relationship but on the dynastic ties that connect European monarchies. Irene was a member of the Glücksburg dynasty, which is part of the royal families of Greece and Denmark; this dynasty is also known as a royal branch of European origin that has a blood relation with the British Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was also of Greek and Danish descent, which made Irene a distant cousin of the British royal family. This connection is considered a symbolic relationship representing the intertwined dynastic structure of European royal history rather than a political authority.
HER SISTER SOFIA WAS A SIGNIFICANT FIGURE IN THE SPANISH ROYAL FAMILY
Irene's sister, Queen Sofía, was a significant figure in the Spanish royal family as the wife of King Juan Carlos of Spain; through this connection, Irene was part of Spanish royal life for many years. It is known that she acquired Spanish citizenship in 2018 and lived at the Zarzuela Palace for many years.
The princess, who never married and had no children, dedicated her entire being to humanitarian aid, culture, and animal rights activities. She was particularly known for her work with animals and her sensitive attitude towards the global issues of the modern world.
Irene's death is seen as the closing of a chapter symbolizing the integration of European monarchies and their shared cultural heritage; her funeral was held on January 19, 2026, at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens.