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Spain

A rare official appearance for Infanta Elena as she presents awards at Madrid palace

Infanta Elena has handed out the prizes at an annual arts contest for children and young people at a ceremony at the Pardo Palace.

The eldest sister of King Felipe VI presented the awards at the event which encourages young people to celebrate their national heritage.

It was a rare public appearance for the Infanta.

Elena was welcomed to the Pardo Palace by members of the management of the National Patrimony, which looks after many of Spain’s most historic buildings. The Infanta then heard speeches by organisers of the competition before a musical recital by a saxophone quartet.

The presentation saw recognition for six main winners as well as several highly commended entrants. There were also prizes for the schools that the winning pupils attend.

The Infanta was then shown the winning entries by the young artists in a special exhibition on the Patio de los Austrias at the Pardo Palace.

Elena is the eldest child of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia but Spanish succession laws give preference to men ahead of women. She is currently third in line to the throne of Spain, following the two daughters of King Felipe, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.