Princess Irene: Farewell to the 'Eccentric Rebel'

The funeral service for Princess Irene, sister of former Queen Sofia, who passed away at the age of 83, took place in Athens today. Her body was laid in state at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens before the ceremony.

Present at the funeral were King Felipe VI of Spain with his wife Letizia and their daughters, as well as representatives of the British royal family. Absent were the former King of Spain, Juan Carlos, and Marie Chantal.

Princess Irene, known for her eccentricity and dedication to humanitarian actions, had been called "Tia Pecu" by her nephews and nieces. She was involved in Indian philosophy and devoted money to the World in Harmony organization. She faced breast cancer in 2002, experiencing a mystical revelation.

Princess Irene never married, stating that she was a "rebel" with many strange interests. The ceremony before the final farewell took place in Madrid.