Princess Leonor arm in arm with her grandmother, Queen Sofia, as royal debut dominates in Mallorca

Princess Leonor has taken part in one of the biggest events in her royal family’s calendar for the first time and she borrowed a dress from her mum for her debut.

Every year, Spain’s royals welcome people from across the Balearic Islands to a reception at their summer residence, the Marivent Palace.

Important debut for Princess Leonor

Leonor, 19, joined her parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, at the celebration for the first time.

The heir to the throne was joined by her younger sister, 18 year old Infanta Sofia, at the event.

The two very attentive to their grandmother, Queen Sofia, who was making a rare public appearance.

Queen Sofia, 86, has scaled back her engagements in recent months but is known to love the Marivent reception and always makes sure to attend.

As she walked across the palace gardens to greet guests, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia linked arms with their grandmother.

The three were laughing and joking as they made their way to the reception.

And while her attention was on her grandmother, Leonor was also making a nod to her mother, Queen Letizia. The heir to the throne wore the same dress by Desigual to the event that her mum wore to it in 2023.

From time to time, King Felipe turned to check on them and share a joke.

The five royals greeted the press before starting the not inconsiderable task of shaking hands with the hundreds of guests invited to the palace for this summer spectacular.

Major night in Spanish royal calendar

The event, a kind of glamourous garden party for dignitaries, celebrities and community leaders from across the islands, is a stand out moment in the Spanish royal calendar.

Queen Letizia went casual for the event this year, choosing a full length white sundress for the evening. White has been her colour of choice so far in Mallorca – at the weekend she chose another dress in that shade with a corset style waist to present awards at Mallorca’s premier film festival.

Princess Leonor’s pick, borrowed from Queen Letizia, is a bold, bright dress featuring a striking print in shades of deep blue. It had an off the shoulder top and floor skimming skirt.

Infanta Sofia, who is rapidly developing a reputation for her sense of style, chose an 80s inspired fitted column style pink sundress with high neck, covered in a fuchsia floral print.

However, it’s always Queen Sofia who steals the sartorial show at the event and this year was no different. She stayed true to her usual style for the Marivent reception and wore a two piece trouser suit. This year, she chose an aqua and lilac floral print jacket with bright aqua trousers.

The Spanish royal family spend the first part of their summer break in Mallorca. They will soon head off on a private holiday before autumn brings big changes.

Princess Leonor is due to start a year of training with Spain’s air force to complete her military formation while Sofia is off to university with studies lined in up in Berlin and Lisbon.