Irene Urdangarin, the daughter of Princess Cristina of Spain and Iñaki Urdangarin, has chosen to pursue her higher education at a prestigious institution in London. She is enrolled at a university in a vibrant city known for its rich academic heritage and global influence. As the granddaughter of King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Irene’s educational journey has garnered attention, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and her desire to carve her path. Her studies in London symbolize a blend of royal tradition and modern aspirations as she navigates the opportunities and challenges of university life in one of the world’s leading educational hubs.
Irene Urdangarin will study at an exclusive university in London: more than 25,000 euros a year that King Juan Carlos would pay
Irene Urdangarin, daughter of Infanta Cristina, is set to begin her university studies in London. According to reports, she will attend one of the world’s top universities, where the annual tuition exceeds 25,000 euros. It is widely believed that her grandfather, King Juan Carlos, will cover the costs of her education.
Meanwhile, King Juan Carlos has been deeply affected by the recent passing of his nephew, Juan Gómez-Acebo. The news of his nephew’s death has weighed heavily on him.
In a separate development, Iñaki Urdangarin, Irene’s father, has expressed a strong desire to withdraw from public life, leading to a tense confrontation with photographers.
Following the departure of her children, Infanta Cristina now resides alone in a house with a garden, high security, and a substantial rent.
Irene Urdangarin is savoring her summer before she heads to England, where she will begin her university studies following a sabbatical year. This news was confirmed by various sources a few months ago, highlighting that the daughter of Infanta Cristina and Iñaki Urdangarin is set to resume her academic journey.
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Last September, it was disclosed that after graduating from Ecolint in Geneva and enrolling at a hospitality university in Lausanne, Irene chose to take a year off to reflect on her future. During this time, the niece of King Felipe VI embarked on a volunteer mission to Cambodia, followed by a temporary stay at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.
During her break, Irene Urdangarin has been enjoying a period of relaxation. She has also been in a relationship with Juan Urquijo, José Luis Martínez-Almeida’s brother-in-law, for some time. With her academic plans in place, Irene is now preparing to move to England to study at her university.
The exclusive university where Irene Urdangarin will study, which will presumably be paid for by King Juan Carlos
After carefully considering various options, Irene Urdangarin appears to have chosen University College London (UCL) for her higher education. According to reports from ‘Monarquía Confidential,’ she will be joining this prestigious institution alongside Alexia of the Netherlands, the second daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, with whom the Spanish royal family shares a close relationship.
University College London, widely regarded as one of the world’s top universities, will welcome the daughter of Infanta Cristina this September. In preparation for this significant step, Irene will be relocating to the British capital in the coming weeks. Fortunately, she will have the support of her brother Juan, who has been living in London for some time, sharing an apartment and working at Extreme, a company founded by Alejandro Agag.
Irene’s move to London follows in the footsteps of her brother Miguel, who previously lived in England while studying Marine Sciences at the University of Southampton. Although Miguel currently resides in Madrid, Irene is now preparing to embark on her academic journey in London, where she will undertake exclusive studies at UCL. As the third oldest university in Britain, after Oxford and Cambridge, UCL is renowned for its academic excellence, though its education comes with a significant financial commitment.
The annual tuition at UCL ranges from 25,000 to 29,000 euros, depending on the chosen program. In addition to tuition fees, there are other substantial costs to consider, including accommodation, living expenses, and travel, especially as Irene is expected to frequently visit Madrid to reunite with her boyfriend and Geneva to see her mother.
King Juan Carlos is anticipated to cover these expenses, continuing his longstanding tradition of funding his grandchildren’s education. As journalist Silvia Taulés noted, the former king has consistently taken responsibility for the educational costs of at least six of his eight grandchildren.
According to a Royal Family expert, “King Juan Carlos keeps a close watch over his six grandchildren, covering their expenses for vehicles, trips, and more—essentially, he has them entirely under his care.” Beyond his generous gestures, the Emeritus King has upheld a tradition of financing all their driving licenses and educational pursuits.
In her book ‘Los Nietos del Rey,’ journalist Silvia Taulés highlights that King Juan Carlos funded Froilán de Marichalar’s education at CIS, The College for International Studies, where tuition costs 20,306 euros per year. He also financed the studies of the four Urdangarin siblings at the International School of Geneva (Ecolint), with annual fees of 30,000 euros per student.
Taulés further reveals that King Juan Carlos covered Miguel Urdangarin’s expenses during his time in London. The costs were notably higher than in Spain, considering the elevated expenses for university tuition, books, rent, and daily living.
This pattern suggests that King Juan Carlos will likely assume the financial responsibility for Irene Urdangarin’s new university journey in London. Irene, the daughter of Infanta Cristina, approaches this new chapter with great enthusiasm. However, it will undoubtedly be bittersweet as she faces the prospect of being apart from her boyfriend, Juan Urdangarin, with whom she has shared her first summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Irene Urdangarin planning to study?
Irene Urdangarin is set to begin her university studies at University College London (UCL), one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.
Why did Irene Urdangarin choose University College London?
After considering various options, Irene selected UCL for its academic excellence and global reputation. Additionally, she will be studying alongside Alexia of the Netherlands, with whom her family has a close relationship.
Who is funding Irene Urdangarin’s education?
It is widely believed that her grandfather, King Juan Carlos, will cover the expenses for Irene’s education at UCL, continuing his tradition of financing the educational pursuits of his grandchildren.
How much does it cost to study at University College London?
The annual tuition at UCL ranges between 25,000 and 29,000 euros, depending on the chosen program. This does not include additional costs such as accommodation, living expenses, and travel.
Has King Juan Carlos funded the education of his other grandchildren?
Yes, King Juan Carlos has a long-standing tradition of funding the education of his grandchildren. He has previously covered the costs for Froilán de Marichalar and the four Urdangarin siblings, including their studies at the International School of Geneva and other institutions.
What other expenses will King Juan Carlos cover for Irene?
In addition to tuition, King Juan Carlos is likely to cover Irene’s accommodation, living expenses, and travel, as he has done for his other grandchildren.
Did Irene Urdangarin take a gap year before starting university?
Yes, Irene took a sabbatical year after graduating from Ecolint in Geneva. During this time, she volunteered in Cambodia and visited the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.
Will Irene Urdangarin have family support in London?
Yes, Irene’s brother Juan has been living in London for some time and will support her as she adjusts to her new life in the city.
Conclusion
Irene Urdangarin’s decision to pursue her university education at University College London marks a significant step in her academic and personal journey. Supported by her grandfather, King Juan Carlos, who has a long-standing tradition of financing the education of his grandchildren, Irene is set to join one of the world’s leading institutions, reflecting the family’s commitment to academic excellence. This move not only underscores Irene’s dedication to her future but also highlights the continued influence and support of King Juan Carlos in shaping the paths of the younger generation of the Spanish royal family. As Irene embarks on this exciting new chapter in London, she carries with her the legacy of her royal heritage, poised to make her mark in the world.
