Princess Leonor uses important speech to share sweet words about her sister, Infanta Sofia

Princess Leonor used her most important speech of the year to share sweet words about her younger sister, Infanta Sofia.

Leonor, who will turn 20 in a few days time, was delivering the main speech at the Princess of Asturias Awards when she turned her attentions to Sofia, 18.

As the heir to the throne paid tribute one of the award winners, Serena Williams, she paid tribute to the strong bond the tennis champion has with her older sister, Venus, and noted that ”it’s wonderful that you say without Venus, there wouldn’t have been a Serena”.

The Princess of Asturias then said ”sister accomplices are our great allies and travel companions”. At that point she turned and smiled at Sofia who beamed back.

The two sisters are notably close and have carried out their first official engagements side by side. They are often seen chatting and laughing together while on duty.

The ceremony for the Princess of Asturias Awards was no different. Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia arrived with their parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, but soon broke away to make a separate royal group. The two were seen sharing confidences as they made their way along the blue carpet into the Campoamor theatre in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias.

The city is very special, in particular, for Queen Letizia who was born there and grew up there. Her mother, Paloma Rocosolano was in the audience.

The biggest applause of the night came for Leonor’s other grandmother, Queen Sofia, who attended the ceremony. She arrived with her son and grandchildren and kept very close to Leonor and Infanta Sofia. Princess Leonor helped her grandmother tackle the steps on the way into the theatre and was insistent that they stand together for photos ahead of the ceremony.

Queen Sofia is know as a doting grandmother and seems very close to Leonor who took time out from her year’s training with the Spanish air force to attend the awards which bear the name of the heir to the Spanish throne.

They were set up during the early years of the reign of her grandfather, King Juan Carlos, and recognise excellence in a number of fields including sport and literature.

King Juan Carlos hasn’t attended the awards since his decision to abdicate in favour of his son in 2014. He now lives in Abu Dhabi where he decided to move in 2020, saying that his presence in Spain was a distraction from the reign of his son. At that point he faced a number of investigations into his finances, all of which have since concluded.

However, in December he will publish a memoir in which he says he will put his own side of his story.

Queen Sofia remains an active presence in the Spanish royal family and has recently carried out a wide range of engagements.

The Princess of Asturias Awards have always been a favourite of hers and for this year’s ceremony she chose a cream trouser suit that featured gold embellishments.

Queen Letizia wore a black mid length cocktail dress with sheer shoulder details. As is usual, she put the spotlight on homegrown fashion and chose a design from the Spanish brand, Sybilla.

Princess Leonor chose a deep purple dress with flared skirt and cap sleeves from H & M. But it was the sister she celebrated who got the most style attention.

Infanta Sofia chose a burgundy dress from Miphai which featured a full length, sheer skirt that was covered by an offer the shoulder top that reached mid thigh length.

It was a daring pick and in line with Sofia’s other recent fashion choices. It’s no doubt something that she discusses with the sister who made a special night all about her.