As Spanish media report, Queen Sofia does not want to leave the Zarzuela Palace at this time in order to stay with her sister. Princess Irene has been struggling with health problems for some time. Her last public appearance was in February 2025, at the wedding of her nephew Prince Nikolaos of Greece in Athens – Sofia did not leave her side there either.
As early as the summer of 2025, Queen Sofia had considered reducing or canceling the traditional family vacation in Mallorca due to Irene's condition. While she did travel to the island at that time, it has now become clear: The mother of King Felipe VI is foregoing every public appointment for her sister. The family is drawing close together during this difficult time.