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.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Spain with his wife, Peng Liyuan, for a state visit before moving on to the G-20 Summit in Argentina.
The Chinese president and first lady met with King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace in Madrid for a welcome ceremony and state dinner, and also at Zarzuela Palace for meetings.
The queen and first lady visited the Royal Theater in Madrid. The following are a collection of images released by the Spanish Royal Household.
Members of the Spanish Royal Family have been extremely visible during their vacations in Mallorca.
The goal is to defuse all the talk of controversy surrounding King Juan Carlos, and also move past the recent public tension between Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia.
Earlier this week, King Felipe and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met at Marivent Palace in Palma de Mallorca, and later Queen Letizia and Sánchez’s wife María Begoña joined in for lunch.
The King also participated in the King’s Cup Regatta and awards ceremony, and held an evening gathering for local leaders at Almudaina Palace with Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia.
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Earlier this month, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and their daughters — Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia — posed for pictures at Almudaina Palace and greeted reporters.
Queen Sofia, Queen Letizia, the princess and the infanta visited walked around a market.
More family members, including Infanta Elena and Princess Irene, Queen Sofia’s sister, joined the royals for a concert.
Members of the Royal Family and other close relatives also had dinner out together, as has become tradition.
King Juan Carlos, meanwhile, remains away from official activities. He missed the inauguration of Colombia’s new president because of health reasons, outlets reported.
Members of the Spanish Royal Family and the King’s broader family are vacationing in Mallorca as is customary.
But King Juan Carlos is absent. The Royal Household blames a minor health issue. But media outlets point to leaked recordings from Don Juan Carlos’ former friend, alleging potential financial irregularities.
Not only has King Felipe’s father stayed away from the summer spotlight, he recently scrapped plans to participate in a regatta in Galicia, according to media outlets.
King Felipe, who received Balearic Island leaders at Almudaina Palace in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, touched on the issue.
Don Felipe said his father was not in great shape and wanted to sail this month.
King Felipe with Baltasar Picornell i Lladó, president of the Balearic Islands parliament.
Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia were seen strolling with Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia.
Back in Madrid, the Supreme Court and parliament are both looking at the recordings. There does seem to be an effort to keep King Juan Carlos away from any further embarassment if possible.
His Majesty this month also met with Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno, whose trip to Europe has sparked debate about the fate of Wikileaks leader Julian Assange, who has been holed up at Ecuador’s British embassy for years.