Leonor, the Princess of Asturias, delivered her first major public address last week as heir to the Spanish throne.
The princess recently read parts of the Spanish Constitution during an event, but last week’s remarks at the Princess of Asturias Awards were more notable.
TOP: Queen Sofia, Princess Leonor, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia arrive at the awards ceremony. BOTTOM: Princess Leonor, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia at the head table.
Her Royal Highness said she was honored to hold the title of Princess of Asturias and spoke of her Asturian blood. Her mother, Queen Letizia, is from Asturias.
King Felipe had tender words for his daughter, who will soon turn 13. He told her to have courage and valor.
His words came amid violent protests in Barcelona and Madrid by Catalan pro-independence activists.
Princess Leonor hugging her sister Infanta Sofia.
The Princess of Asturias awards are given to artists, scholars and leaders around the world.
As heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor has been going through a grooming process to prepare her for public life. Last week’s speech was a key part of that effort.
King Felipe continued with his public agenda today despite growing unrest in Spain over the conviction of Catalan separatist leaders.
The King made an appearance today at the Royal Academy of Engineering and has not addressed the issue.
Spanish Royal Household
The Spanish Supreme Court convicted the Catalan separatists of sedition. In the past, the King has spoken forcefully in favor of unity and against those who violate constitutional norms.
King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia presided over the Fiesta Nacional parade in Madrid this weekend.
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People around the world celebrate the day to mark their Hispanic heritage. In Madrid, members of the Armed Forces march down key avenues, with the Royal Family playing a central role.
Spain’s Constitutional Court today invalidated a panel tasked with investigating the Royal Family.
The Catalan Parliament, led by pro-independence and republican parties, created the panel to probe any wrongdoing by the King or his relatives.
Today the Constitutional Court said the Catalan Parliament did not have the power take such a step.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez south of Madrid this month for a meeting of the Cervantes Institute leadership. Spanish Royal Household
The Constitutional Court also noted the King is inviolable under the Spanish Constitution.