Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark: Lost but not forgotten
Princess Irene of Greece was born in Cape Town, South Africa, on 11 May 1942, while her parents, Crown Prince Paul of Greece and Princess Frederica, were living in exile during the Nazi occupation of Greece during the Second World War. The youngest of three children, she returned with her family to Greece in 1946. In 1947 her father became King Paul, with her brother Constantine named Crown Prince.
Princess Irene maintained a lifelong connection to South Africa, a place that shaped her early identity and remained close to her heart throughout her life. Princess Irene also embodied the enduring values of Hellenism: a profound respect for education, culture, social responsibility, and human dignity. These values resonated strongly with the late Adv George Bizos, whose own life and work were guided by the same ethical foundations of justice, democracy, and humanitarianism. Both shared a belief that Hellenism is not merely a heritage, but a living commitment to moral courage, intellectual pursuit, and the betterment of society.
She was reportedly a deeply spiritual person who respected and studied ancient philosophy from an early age, believing that expanding one’s knowledge “could show a path of peace to the world”. A committed patron of the Arts, Princess Irene was also a talented and accomplished musician, trained in piano by the renowned concert pianist Gina Bachauer. For a period, she performed professionally, making her British debut in 1969 at the Royal Festival Hall.
Princess Irene was a patron of the GBSSBF and a supporter of SAHETI school. In a letter to Adv Bizos, on occasion of his 80th birthday, she expressed her admiration and gratitude to the Hellenes of the diaspora, for having established an educational and cultural landscape that preserves the values of Hellenism in South Africa. At the time we were deeply moved to have received a notable contribution from the Princess, in her personal capacity, towards bursaries for the GBSSBF.
Admirable in her modesty, Princess Irene demonstrated humility and devotion to cultural preservation and social causes, choosing purpose over prominence. Her dedication to service and her respect for history and learning stand as a meaningful example to future generations, particularly within the global Hellenic and South African communities.
Her passing marks the loss of a deeply principled figure whose life reflected her quiet dignity, service, and cultural stewardship.
We honour her memory with respect and extend our sincere sympathies to her family.
The George Bizos SAHETI Scholarship and Bursary Fund