Princess In Shadow Of Mother’s Image

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32077, 27 August 1969, Page 3

Princess In Shadow Of Mother’s Image

(Bv jean McBONOUGH in the “Christian Science Monitor”) MADRID. The future Queen of Spain, Princess Sophia of Greece, has an immaculate record to present to her Spanish subjects, but in the minds of some Spaniards she is trailed by the shadow of her mother’s image. Often thought of as the Peter Pan collar queen for her studied demure looks, the pretty Greek princess has kept her life as much of a two dimensional, noncommittal, image as that of her husband, Don Juan Carlos de Bourbon y Bourbon, Prince of Spain and King-designate. Princess Sophia is always the epitome of regal correctness at charity benefits, family photographs, and tiring receptions. But behind her fresh outdoor countenance and her trained sweet smile, one can see a young facial image of Queen Mother Frederika of Greece, reported to have been a power behind the scenes before the Army coup in April, 1967, which led to the exile of her son, King Constantine. Sophia de Slesvig Holstein Sondenburg Gluksbourg y Brunswick-Luneberg, Romanoff y Hohenzoilen, Hesse Cassel y Slesvig Holstein, Slesvig Holstein y Sajoma Coburga Gotha, aged 31, met Prince Juan Carlos, aged 32, ■during a cruise in Greece imore than 15 years ago. j In 1961 the tall, serious I blond prince was invited to

the Greek monarch’s summer residence, “Mon Repos," and there the wedding was announced. The courtship previously had been minimal. The couple saw each other at the wedding of the Duchess of Kent and on a few other royal occasions. Their courting language was English. Sophia, like her husband, is

superbly trained in all the graces befitting a monarch. She has grand poise, an immaculate patience and charm in public, intelligence, and she is multilingual (speaking exquisite Spanish) and photogenic. She dresses as her mother does, in high necklines or demure Peter Pan collars, soft A-shape skirts, and little suits. ; Colours in general are black , and white or pastels, nothing i dramatic or shocking, nothing to ever draw a speck of catty i criticism. ' Sh e has never been photo-

graphed in pants or a swim- 1 suit She wears her jewels, especially her emeralds and pearls, with discretion. Fur coats are not thrown out but remade. Sophia, like her mother, does not vary her hairstyle and remains with the same soft bouffant chestnut wave which came into vogue more than three years ago. It suits her serene aspect Since the Spanish Chief of State, General Franco, announced their regal future, the couple have refrained from any large celebration, an act which might cause sharp criticism from antimonarchists or the supporters of Don Juan Carlos's exiled father, Don Juan de Bourbon y Battenburg, the blood heir to the throne who was stepped over in the decision on the Spanish king. Instead, after the acceptation ceremony in the Prince's official residence, the Zarzuela Palace outside Madrid, Don Juan Carios and Princess Sophia held a quiet party with their three children, Elena. Christina and Felipe. Princess Sophia’s life revolves around her husband, children, and visiting sister, Princess Irene, and her brother the King and his wife,

Queen Anne. She is rarely seen at either unofficial parties or with women outside of her small group of friends or ladies-in-waiting. Queen Frederika was frequently seen at the Zarzuela Palace after the ousting of the royal family from Greece last year. However the Queen suddenly stopped her Spanish visits after the baptism of the young royal couple’s first son Felipe. Informed Monarchist sources explained that the Spanish Government diplomal tically advised the Queen that

her visits were welcomed but any idea of permanent residency was out of the question. This motion immediately cancelled King Constantine’s plans to build a home in Spain. Princess Sophia has the same problem as her husband. Neither she nor Don Juan Carlos is really known to the Spanish people outside of stock magazine picture stories concerned with their - children or trips. She would be expected, like any Spaish senora, to stay in . the background. But this > might be difficult. A constant observer and t acquaintance of Spain’s future t queen recently remarked: “I ' see her serenely presiding at ' official functions. But behind that calm exterior 1 i sense ... a Frederika.” Usually-Informed sources - said the royal couple would i visit various countries soon, ■ including the United States • in order to impress their > image as monarchs on Spani lards—many of whom are in- . different—and foreign governments. Most throne-watchers ■ feel that Princess Sophia will > hold her own, and if the royal > couple assumes the throne, ■ will be one of the leading ’ *l ueens * n Europe.