Queen Sofia of Spain has withdrawn from upcoming public engagements to support her sister, Princess Irene of Greece, whose deteriorating health has become a serious concern.
The 87-year-old Spanish queen was scheduled to attend an event at the Poema del Mar Aquarium in Palma de Mallorca on Wednesday. She was to receive an award recognising her commitment to biodiversity conservation. She was also due to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Las Palmas’ Paraninfo. Both appearances have now been cancelled.
According to HOLA!, Princess Irene’s condition is “very fragile and critical,” reflecting her deteriorating health. The update comes after previous reports revealed that the 83-year-old princess has been suffering from cognitive impairment that has progressively weakened her over the years.
Princess Irene is the youngest child of the late King Paul and Queen Frederica of Greece. She never married and has lived at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family, since 1981.
Queen Sofia’s decision to step back from public duties highlights the strong bond between the sisters during this difficult period. Sources close to the royal family have emphasised that the queen is providing full-time care and emotional support to Princess Irene.
The royal family has faced multiple losses in recent years. Princess Irene and Queen Sofia’s only brother, Constantine II, the last King of the Hellenes, passed away in January 2023. Princess Irene was last seen publicly in February 2025 at the wedding of her nephew, Prince Nikolaos of Greece, to Chrysi Vardinogiánni in Athens.
Royal observers continue to closely monitor Princess Irene’s condition. Experts say that ongoing attention to her deteriorating health is a priority for both her family and the palace staff. The Spanish royal family has not released further updates but remains focused on her well-being.
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