Princess Irene's coffin arrives for funeral rites

The coffin of the Princess Irene of Greece arrived in Athens for the funeral service at the Metropolitan Cathedral on Monday.

"The popular pilgrimage was completed and Irene's body was transferred from the Chapel of Saint. Mary Eleftheriou in the Metropolitan Church, followed by her three nephews from her brother King Constantine II, Crown Prince Pavlos and Princes Nikolaos and Philippos," said a statement.

The first memorial service for Princess Irene took place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Andrew and Demetrius in Madrid, Spain.

The memorial service was a reunion of practically all members of the Spanish royal family, with Princess Alexia of Greece and Mr Carlos Morales representing the Greek royal family who await for their relatives in Athens where the final funeral of Princess Irene will take place. 

However, neither King Charles nor any other member of the British royal family was present during the service.

A statement issued by royal family earlier said that the "Burial will take place at the Tatoi Cemetery. Preceding the service, from 08.00am to 10.30am, the coffin will lie in repose, in the Chapel of Saint Eleftherios.

Princess Irene died at the age of 83, the Private Office of the Greek Royal Family said on Thursday.

She was the late Prince Philip's first cousin and King Charles' first cousin once removed.

However, the British royal family did not issue a statement on her death.

According to royal experts, although she was the late Prince Philip's first cousin, in royal terms it's not considered a close blood-relative relationship for the British monarchy.