Almost a year ago, Irene Urdangarin, 18, graduated from her pre-university studies in Geneva. She then had to decide on her next educational step.
Instead of enrolling in a university or other higher studies, Irene surprised everyone with her decision. She chose to take a break from academics and focus on something she really wanted to do.
Irene traveled to Cambodia to engage in volunteer work, which has now come to an end.
Irene Urdangarin to study in London
Currently, Irene is in Madrid to enjoy a summer break, unwind from the past few months, and consider her future educational path.
After the holidays, she plans to resume her studies, not in Spain or Switzerland where she has been living with her mother, but in London.
Irene is interested in studying event management.
Before going to Cambodia, it seemed likely that Irene would study at the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland, focusing on event management.
However, circumstances prevented her from enrolling, leading her to take a gap year to think about her future.
Now, according to ‘LOC’, she has secured places at several prestigious universities in the United Kingdom to study event management.
Following in the footsteps of their cousins
Irene’s decision to move to the UK follows in the footsteps of other family members. Her cousins, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, have also studied there.
Leonor completed her two years of high school at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, where Sofía is currently studying.
Additionally, Irene’s brothers, Miguel and Juan Urdangarin, have also lived in the UK.
The Urdangarin siblings have found the UK to be a place where they can live discreetly, pursue their education, and perfect their English.
Before living in Geneva, the family lived in Washington due to Iñaki Urdangarin’s work.
Plans in Spain
While waiting for the new school year to start, Irene is focused on getting her driver’s license. She is using her time in Madrid to achieve this goal and has already passed the theoretical exam.
She plans to start driving lessons soon, hoping to get her license before starting her studies abroad.
Irene is also taking this time to focus on her personal life. Recently, it was revealed that she is quite happy with her boyfrind, Juan Urquijo.
This is the first time anything about her love life has come to light. A few months ago, she started a relationship with the brother-in-law of Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida.
Until now, their relationship has been long-distance, but with Irene now in Madrid, they have more time to get to know each other better. Their families, who have known each other for years, are delighted with the relationship.
During her stay in Madrid, Irene can also spend time with her family. Her grandmother, Queen Sofia, her aunt, Infanta Elena, her cousin, Victoria Federica, and her uncles, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, all live in the capital.
Additionally, Infanta Cristina visits whenever she can, and Iñaki Urdangarin lives in Vitoria, not far from Madrid.
After months of being thousands of kilometers away, Irene can now enjoy her family to the fullest.