Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark has died at the age of 83, it has been confirmed today. The princess, who is a member of the Greek Royal Family, died today at 11.40am local time in Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.

It has been reported that she was surrounded by family at the time. A statement from the Greek Royal Family read: “It is with deep sadness that the Greek Royal Family announces that HRH Princess Irene, beloved sister and aunt, passed away on Thursday, January 15th 2016, at 11:40 local time, in Zarzuela Palace in Madrid surrounded by loved ones. Details will follow regarding the funeral procession.”

The princess was the sister of Queen Sofia of Spain, who cancelled all of her engagements this week due to her sister’s declining health. 

This is because Irene – who never married – was described as being in “critical” health and “fragile” earlier this week.

It is believed Queen Sofia and her sister Princess Irene of Greece, daughters of the late King Paul and Queen Frederica, have always been close, with Irene living in an apartment at the Spanish royal residence. 

The princess was last seen in public in February 2025 when she attended the wedding of her nephew Prince Nikolaos of Greece, and Chrysi Vardinogiánni in Athens. 

She had attended the event in a wheelchair.

It is believed Queen Sofia of Spain was likely to have been with her sister today, although this has not been confirmed.

Princess Irene’s death comes three years after the brother of Irene and Sofia, Constantine II – the last King of the Hellenes –  passed away in January 2023.

No funeral plans for Princess Irene have yet been confirmed.