Until about a year ago, Irene Urdangarín was one of the lesser-known members of King Felipe VI’s family.
However, since reaching adulthood, she has captured public interest and become a frequent subject in headlines.
Irene Urdangarín’s 19th Birthday
This, June 5th, Irene turns 19. Exactly a year ago, she celebrated her high school graduation in Geneva, surrounded by many family members—though notably absent were King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía.
Despite their ongoing divorce negotiations, Infanta Cristina and Iñaki Urdangarín set aside their differences to celebrate their youngest daughter’s milestone.
They were joined by their children Juan, Pablo, and Miguel Urdangarín, former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía, Infanta Elena, and cousins Froilán and Victoria Federica, creating a memorable family reunion.
Initially, there was speculation that Irene might study Hospitality at a prestigious school in Lausanne. However, she opted for a gap year before starting university.
New Experiences and First Love
One of Irene’s first decisions during her gap year was to get her driver’s license in Madrid.
Irene moved to the Palacio de La Zarzuela with Queen Sofía in early September. Unexpectedly, she found love in Spain for the first time.
In autumn, Irene’s friendship with Juan Urquijo Moreno, whom she met in the summer at a gathering organized by her cousin Victoria Federica, blossomed into a discreet romantic relationship.
This relationship became public in April, during the wedding of José Luis Martínez Almeida and Teresa Urquijo, Juan’s sister.
Juan is the grandson of Teresa de Borbón y Borbón, a close cousin of King Juan Carlos, and the royal family has warmly embraced Irene’s boyfriend.
A Love That Endures Distance
Their relationship faced challenges, particularly when Irene left Spain to volunteer in Cambodia with Kike Figaredo’s foundation for four months.
Despite the distance, the couple managed to maintain their bond and are now making up for lost time.
Their relationship is so strong that Juan was the guest of honor at Irene’s early 19th birthday celebration this past Sunday.
The celebration, held at a restaurant near Zarzuela, included Infanta Cristina, the former queen, Infanta Elena, Irene of Greece, and Pablo Urdangarín with his girlfriend Johanna Zott.
Looking Ahead
Back in Spain, Irene, Victoria Federica’s favorite cousin, is focusing on passing the practical part of her driver’s test—having already completed the theoretical part in December.
Irene plans to enjoy the summer before concluding her gap year and making decisions about her future.
Her future likely lies outside of Spain. Following in the footsteps of her brothers Juan and Miguel, to whom she is very close, Irene is expected to start her university studies in the UK this September.
While her exact field of study remains uncertain, sources suggest she is interested in tourism, hospitality, marketing, and public relations.