Another year, another moment to stop and say that it’s been a turbulent time for the royal family of Spain. While 2024 brought moments of celebration and success that seemed to start to turn a corner for the somewhat beleaguered Bourbons, it also brought difficult times that once more raised questions about whether this most modern of monarchies can manage to navigate the nuances of 21st century life.
Ten years a king
The year 2024 was meant to be one of consolidation for the royal family of Spain. At the heart of the year, and their plans, was the tenth anniversary of the accession of Felipe VI as King of Spain.
A special celebration at the Royal Palace in Madrid saw a speech of praise for King Felipe and Queen Letizia from their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, while crowds gathered to cheer them in a rare balcony appearance. Exhibitions through the year put the spotlight on the royal motto for 2024 – service and duty. But, as has been the case throughout his decade of reign, turbulence remained.
Anger on the streets and cries of murder
In one of the most difficult moments of recent times in Spain, King Felipe and Queen Letizia headed out to offer comfort to those affected by a dreadful disaster. They ended up being pelted with mud and screamed at on an afternoon of anger.
(BBC Still / YouTube/ Fair Use)
The King and Queen of Spain had travelled to Valencia in the days after torrential rain and winds had led to catastrophic flooding which claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed homes and businesses. They went with the country’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez. But as they, and other officials, walked through mud strewn streets to meet those affected, fury flared and cries of ”murderer” were heard.
Sanchez left. Felipe and Letizia continued, pelted with mud and water. The Queen of Spain broke down and sobbed with some of those affected. The couple later returned, despite being unsure of the reception they would get but the scene was more settled and they took a high public profile in urging help for those trying to rebuild their lives. They also led national mourning at a service at Valencia cathedral. Just before Christmas, a visit with their two daughters, Leonor and Sofia, ended with calm.
The princess everyone loves
Princess Leonor, heir to the throne, continues to be the rising star of Spain’s royal family. In 2024, she completed her army training and began her naval education and every move she made was followed and feted.
In June 2024, the Princess of Asturias graduated from a year in the army in a ceremony in which she pledged her allegiance to the flag of Spain. The image of her kissing the flag was shown endlessly around Spain while the hug from the head of the country’s military – her dad – also boosted the Bourbons.
In early autumn, she began her naval training to more acclaim and joined her father on the dais, in military uniform, for Spain’s national day celebrations. There’s no doubt that Leonor’s military training has been one of the stand out successes of recent times for Spain’s royals. While on leave, she undertook engagements and presented the prestigious Princess of Asturias awards. Leonor continues to go from strength to strength and in 2024, she got some extra help.
The most charming Bourbon of all?
The younger daughter of King Felipe and Queen Letizia, Infanta Sofia, spent most of the year in Wales where she’s completing her secondary education but on the few engagements she did undertake, one thing was clear. This infanta is calm, confident and charming.
Sofia’s passion is sport and she was in Berlin to watch the men’s football team win the Euros, standing proudly by her father’s side as he handed over medals and the huge trophy. She then joined forces with her sister to welcome the winners home but it was the infanta who ended up starring in that show. It was the same story in Paris where the two young royals spent a week cheering on their country’s champions with Sofia again taking the lead.
Then, in December 2024, the infanta carried out her first solo engagement, handing out prizes at a photography exhibition named in her honour. Just 17 years old, she was the epitome of confidence and commentators were quick to jump to the conclusion that Leonor, the queen in waiting, has a sterling support act ready to go.
Guess whose shadow is looming into 2025
Spain’s royals continue to modernise – this year has seen them join Instagram where they weren’t shy in posting selfies at big events like the Paris Olympics. But, for them, the past is never far behind. And the end of 2024 brought a promise that could make 2025 very uncomfortable indeed. Enter King Juan Carlos I.
The former monarch is threatening to release his memoirs. In the autumn of 2024, he said he was planning to publish his version of his life story. And, given what we know already, it’s not likely to be a fairytale for Spain’s royals.
Meanwhile, his wife, Queen Sofia, keeps on with her public engagements – at the age of 86, she remains high profile and a very popular member of the family. It seems that 2025, like 2024, will provide moments of light and deep shade for the royal family of Spain.
