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Spain

TV coverage of Princess Leonor’s school move causes controversy and political rows

Leonor Felipe

Spain’s main TV station, RTVE, has apologised after complaints about its reporting on the news that Princess Leonor is to finish her secondary education in Wales.

In a piece on a lunchtime programme, La Hora de La1, RTVE put up an on screen banner reading ‘’Leonor is leaving Spain, like her grandfather’’, a reference to the former monarch, Juan Carlos I, who went into self imposed exile in August 2020 following allegations of financial impropriety. The strapline stayed on screen for almost two minutes while the decision about the heir to the throne’s education was discussed.

Immediately after the broadcast, some politicians reacted angrily to the decision. The conservative Popular Party, the main opposition grouping in Spain, said the station was ‘’now attacking the Crown’’ while its Head of Online Communication, Ismael Martin, called it ‘’one of the most embarrassing moments in the history’’ of the TV station.

There was also reaction on social media with some users pointing out that Leonor, who is heir to Spain’s throne, is only fifteen years old and a minor.

Almost immediately, TVE issued a clarification. Rosa María Mateo, one of Spain’s best known journalists, currently directs the station as its sole administrator. In a statement, she said she ‘’deeply regretted the serious error that occurred’’ and ‘’has taken immediate measures so that those responsible are relieved of their positions’’. The statement went on to describe the banner as ‘’a serious irresponsibility that cannot cloud RTVE’s unwavering commitment to the defence of constitutional values, to institutions of the State and, above all, to the Crown.’’

However, RTVE’s move has prompted more political controversy. A member of the left wing Podemos party, the junior partner in Spain’s governing coalition and a proponent of abolishing the monarchy in favour of a republic, questioned the motivation of the apology. Pablo Echenique tweeted his concerns over people being relieved of their posts and asked whether King Felipe believes ‘’it’s okay to dismiss workers so as not to bother him’’.

Some social media users showed their support for this stance, questioning why journalists’ jobs were being affected. Casa Real has made no comment on the programme.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia announced on February 10th that Leonor will join classes at UWC Atlantic College from this autumn to study for an International Baccalaureate. The college is based in the Vale of Glamorgan in south Wales. Leonor won’t be the first future queen to study there. Princess Elisabeth of Belgium spent almost two years at the same college, leaving in 2020.

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.