On February 25, Queen Sofía held a special mass in Madrid to honor her sister Irene of Greece, who had passed away 40 days earlier at the age of 83. The event took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Saint Demetrius, attended by her daughters, Infantas Cristina and Elena, along with other family members and friends. However, the King and Queen could not attend due to official commitments. This occasion served as a moment of reflection for the family in light of their loss.

Irene of Greece, a beloved member of the Spanish Royal Family, died on January 15 in the Palace of Zarzuela after a period of declining health, specifically cognitive deterioration, which had kept her from public life for quite some time. Her passing was mourned in Spain, where she was well-regarded and had spent significant time as part of the royal family. Following her death, a memorial service was held on January 17 at the same church, followed by her funeral in Athens on January 19, where she was laid to rest in the Tatoi cemetery.

This remembrance mass not only served to honor Irene’s memory but also highlighted the strong family connections within the Spanish royal family amidst their personal loss. The presence of Queen Sofía and her daughters affirmed the significance of familial bonds during times of mourning, while also reflecting the traditions of royal ceremonies that intertwine personal sorrow and public duty.