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Spain

How Princess Leonor took over Madrid on the eve of an historic day

By
30th October 2023

The woman who will one day reign in Spain is currently dominating the country. On the eve of her coming of age, it’s hard to miss Princess Leonor.

The heir to the throne’s image can be found across the Spanish capital, Madrid, as a new official portrait of the princess is flown from lamp posts while the royal standard is plastered across buses.

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The princess also stares out from bus shelters and metro stations across the city.

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Meanwhile, some of the most famous parts of the city are being spruced up and decked in regal finery as Madrid gets ready for the moment that a future queen swears allegiance to the Spanish constitution in a solemn ceremony on her 18th birthday.

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The oath will be taken inside the Spanish parliament, the Cortes, and the chamber has been decorated in a style fit for a future queen.

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Spain is in the midst of political turmoil as negotiations continue to find a solution to the country’s inconclusive general election earlier in the year. There’s also been comment after it was confirmed that Leonor’s grandmother, Queen Sofia, won’t attend this historic ceremony to avoid being treated differently from her husband, King Juan Carlos. The former monarch will be in Madrid on Leonor’s 18th birthday but after a string of scandals which led to self imposed exile, he won’t be in the chamber.

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However, for one day only, the Cortes will put all that behind it and is more than ready for its close up on a very special day. Buildings around the parliament are already flying Spanish flags.

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Princess Leonor will make her solemn oath watched by her father, King Felipe VI, and her mother, Queen Letizia. It is expected that her younger sister, Infanta Sofia, will also be present.

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Afterwards, the family will return through the streets of Madrid where Leonor’s image will gaze down on the princess herself. A private party will be held inside palace doors.

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Leonor, Princess of Asturias was born on October 31st 2005 in Madrid.

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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.