Irene Urdangarin, the youngest daughter of Infanta Cristina and Iñaki Urdangarin, has decided to take a gap year before continuing her studies in hospitality management.
The 18-year-old has set a course for Cambodia, where she will spend the next six months as a volunteer cooperant in social projects.
This experience represents a radical change in Irene’s life after her parents’ painful divorce.
Irene Urdangarin in Cambodia
Irene is enthusiastic about her solidarity work in Cambodia. The youngest daughter of the Urdangarin family follows in the footsteps of her brother Juan, who also volunteered in that Asian country years ago.
The young girl has prepared herself thoroughly for this experience, attending a Red Cross cooperation course and visiting social projects in India with her mother, Infanta Cristina.
In Cambodia, Irene will collaborate mainly with the Jesuit foundation of Father Kike Figaredo in the city of Battambang. There she will help in educational and health tasks, giving her time and energy to those most in need.
According to close sources, Irene has chosen this international volunteering to distance herself from the complex family situation after her parent’s divorce.
Away from the media spotlight, the cousin of Princess Leonor seeks to focus on noble humanitarian work that will bring her new experiences and learning.
After these six months in Cambodia, Irene will resume her studies in hotel management with new perspectives on life.
The sabbatical year will undoubtedly mark a before and after in her path to adulthood.