Queen Sofia of Spain is preparing to return to Greece before the end of the summer alongside her two daughters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina.
The former Spanish queen plans to make the journey at the end of August as the family of former Queen Anne-Marie gathers in Greece. The two royal women have shared a close relationship dating back more than 60 years, following Anne-Marie's marriage in 1964 to King Constantine II, the late brother of Queen Sofia.
According to reports in the Spanish press, the visit is timed to coincide with former Queen Anne-Marie's 80th birthday on August 30, as reported by Spanish outlet Vanitatis. Members of Anne-Marie's family are expected to gather in Greece for the milestone celebration, with Queen Sofia's presence considered particularly significant.
Spanish media outlets report that Sofia intends to bring her daughters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina, with her for the gathering. However, the final composition of the family meeting will depend on the personal and professional commitments of individual family members.
Royal ties across Europe
Queen Anne-Marie is the mother of King Constantine's five children, who are the Greek cousins of King Felipe VI of Spain. The Spanish monarch has maintained a long-standing close relationship with his cousins, with the two families regularly meeting during holidays and key personal events.
The family connections also extend to Northern Europe. Queen Anne-Marie is the sister of Queen Margrethe of Denmark, the mother of current Danish monarch King Frederik X. That connection leaves open the possibility that members of the Danish royal family may also attend the celebrations in Greece.
For Queen Sofia, the upcoming trip represents another major family reunion following a gathering in Mallorca earlier in the summer. Anne-Marie visited the Balearic island in July and attended a dinner at Marivent Palace on July 26, held on the occasion of a visit by former King Juan Carlos I of Spain.
First gathering without Princess Irene
The July dinner brought together several family members, and Spanish press reports indicate that some of those present in Mallorca will attempt to travel to Greece for the August reunion. Attendance remains unconfirmed for some relatives due to conflicting schedules.
Spanish media report that what has been clearly established is Queen Sofia's strong desire to make the trip to Greece accompanied by her two daughters. The visit carries deep personal meaning for the former queen, who has counted Anne-Marie as part of her life since 1964.
The upcoming meeting in Greece will also mark a poignant moment for the extended family. This year's reunion will be the first to take place without Princess Irene, the sister of both King Constantine and Queen Sofia, who died at the beginning of 2026.
At the end of August, Greece will once again serve as a focal point for relatives who continue to preserve close family bonds despite living in different countries across Europe.
