Queen Sofía continues to keep the memory of her beloved sister, Princess Irene of Greece, close to her heart. Princess Irene passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 83 at Madrid’s Zarzuela Palace. She was far more than a sister to Queen Sofía. She was her lifelong companion, trusted confidante, and closest friend for decades.
In her final years, Princess Irene suffered from cognitive decline, and Queen Sofía rarely left her side. Her loss has left a profound void for the queen and her family, who continue to honor her memory in meaningful ways.
A bracelet with special meaning
Queen Sofía paid tribute to her sister in a subtle yet deeply personal way, wearing a bracelet engraved with Irene’s name in Greek capital letters (EIPHNH). Like Queen Sofía, Princess Irene was a deeply spiritual woman and likely would have cherished the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV.
The queen also wore several other bracelets and rings, many of which likely held personal significance of their own.
© Vatican PoolQueen Sofía makes history
Queen Sofía, who met Pope Leo XIV on Monday, was impeccably dressed in a white suit by Spanish designer Alejandro de Miguel. In doing so, she made history as the first Catholic queen to exercise the privilège du blanc while wearing trousers.
The visit included two engagements: a private family meeting followed by a public appearance. Born Greek Orthodox, Queen Sofía converted to Catholicism before marrying King Juan Carlos.
Earlier in the day, she attended a brief audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Nunciature, where the pontiff is staying during his visit to the Spanish capital. She was accompanied by her daughters, Infantas Elena and Cristina, as well as three of her grandchildren: Victoria Federica, Pablo Urdangarin, and Miguel Urdangarin.
The five family members, along with their partners, had also attended the large outdoor Mass celebrated by the pope Sunday in Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles.
© Europa Press NewsA symbolic ceremony
After leaving the Apostolic Nunciature, Queen Sofía headed to Almudena Cathedral. Upon Pope Leo XIV’s arrival, she greeted him with a curtsy before accompanying him inside for a prayer service and tribute to Madrid’s patron saint, the Virgin of Almudena.
Rich in symbolism and reflection, the ceremony drew approximately 2,000 attendees.
Jewelry with a message
Queen Sofía is known for wearing multiple necklaces and chokers, many of which carry personal meaning. She frequently appears in public wearing jewelry featuring the Turkish evil eye, a symbol closely associated with both Greece and Turkey.
Among her most treasured pieces is a pendant honoring her three children and eight grandchildren, engraved with all of their initials. She is also often seen wearing a representation of the Cristo Mutilado (“Mutilated Christ”), a figure depicted missing one leg that symbolizes the devastating impact of landmines.
The queen has long been devoted to this image, which also serves as the emblem of the humanitarian organization Sauce and its charitable work.
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