Princess Leonor of Spain Swears Allegiance to Constitution on 18th Birthday
Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, marked her 18th birthday on Tuesday by swearing allegiance to the country’s Constitution. The ceremony, broadcasted nationally, took place in the lower house of parliament and symbolized the continuity of Spain’s parliamentary monarchy.
During the ceremony, Leonor de Borbón Ortiz recited the same oath that her father, then a prince, took when he turned 18 in 1986. She pledged to faithfully carry out her duties, uphold the Constitution and laws, respect the rights of citizens and autonomous communities, and show loyalty to the king.
This ceremony was a necessary step for Leonor to succeed to the crown and eventually become queen. She became the crown princess in 2014 when her father, Felipe VI, was proclaimed king.
Leonor’s popularity has been growing in recent years, with media outlets dubbing it “Leonormania.” Her photo has been frequently featured in the media, solidifying her position as the modern face of the future monarchy.
After the ceremony, Leonor delivered a short speech at the Royal Palace, stating that her duty is to all Spaniards and that she will serve them with respect and loyalty. She asked the people to place their trust in her, just as she has placed her confidence in the future of their nation.
The streets of Madrid were adorned with banners featuring Leonor’s photograph, and official buildings were decorated with drapes and tapestries for the occasion. The royal family, including Leonor, her younger sister Sofia, Felipe, and Queen Letizia, arrived at the parliament building accompanied by Spain’s Royal Guard.
While the parliamentary chamber was filled with lawmakers and dignitaries, representatives from leftist political parties and separatist groups boycotted the event due to their favoring of a republic over a monarchy.
The Spanish royal family has been working to restore its reputation in society following scandals involving some family members, including former King Juan Carlos. Juan Carlos, who abdicated in 2014, left Spain in 2020 amidst financial scandals and is currently residing in Abu Dhabi. Despite expressing a desire to return to Spain, it remains uncertain if Felipe or the government would agree to it.
The monarchy in Spain has faced ongoing scrutiny, particularly due to its origins with former dictator Gen. Francisco Franco bypassing Juan Carlos’ father and natural heir, Juan de Borbón. Spain had not had a royal family since Alfonso XIII went into exile in 1931.
Leonor, who has been groomed by her parents, has already shown regal qualities when presiding over various honorific institutions. She is currently undergoing basic military training in Zaragoza and is fluent in English, French, Catalan, and some Arabic.
Despite her public presence, little is known about Leonor’s personality as she has yet to give media interviews. However, her high school graduation in Wales earlier this year was met with cheers from her fellow students, and her tutor praised her passion for learning, understanding people, and exploring diverse perspectives.
The popularity of the Spanish royal family is difficult to determine due to the absence of polling on the subject since 2015, following numerous scandals.
Associated Press writer Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain contributed to this report.
