The current situation of Princess Irene
In recent times, Princess Irene of Greece has attracted the attention of the Spanish Royal House due to her delicate state of health. A report in Lecturas magazine revealed a year ago that she suffers from Alzheimer’s, and her recent public appearance hinted at the deterioration of her condition. The image of her, weakened and in a wheelchair, has been a hard blow for her sister, Queen Sofia, who has shared her life for five decades.
The royal family’s response
Queen Letizia has decided to actively intervene, providing continuous medical care to King Felipe VI’s aunt. This measure seeks to mitigate the progression of the disease and ensure that Irene receives the necessary care 24 hours a day. Since her arrival at the Zarzuela Palace, where she has lived for more than 50 years, Irene has become an emotional pillar for the royal family.
A love that could have been: Irene and Juan Carlos
Throughout her life, Princess Irene never married, even though several suitors were considered for her. Among them, Juan Carlos de Borbón is rumoured to have been an option, before he and Sofia sealed their fate together. Despite family pressure to find a suitable husband, Irene always showed disinterest in the proposed candidates, leading her to be known as the ‘eligible bachelorette’.
The cruise that changed destinies
In 1954, Queen Frederica organised a cruise with the aim of introducing Greece and, at the same time, facilitating marriages for her daughters. Although Sofia managed to become queen, Juan Carlos was said to have been more interested in Irene. This situation created tensions, as Queen Frederica disapproved of this inclination, preferring that her son join Sofia.
The path to loneliness
Over time, Irene chose to distance herself from romance. Following her family’s exile, she found a new home in India, where she explored a spiritual world. Upon returning to Spain, she met Gonzalo de Borbón, but their relationship was forbidden by the emeritus king, who feared that Gonzalo’s reputation would affect Irene. Later, a second romantic interest, Jesús Aguirre, was also banned by Juan Carlos, leaving Irene in a position of emotional loneliness.
Reflections on his life and legacy
The story of Princess Irene of Greece is a testament to love, sacrifice and the weight of family expectations. Her life has been marked by decisions made based on the wishes of others, leaving a deep mark on royal history. As she faces the challenges of her health, Irene’s legacy continues to resonate in the Royal House, symbolising the complexity of royal life and its compromises.
