Little Sofía Takes Hello Kitty to Preschool

Infanta Sofía,second daughter of the Prince and Princess of Asturias, started her first day of preschool at the Escuela Infantil de la Guardia Real today. The little princess was dressed in the school uniform of light blue shorts and white shirt embroidered with her name and brought a light blue backpack adorned with a Hello Kitty motif. Accompanying their daughter, Felipe sported a beard which he had grown over the summer whilst Letizia wore a printed blouse and classic beige pants.

Photo: REUTERS

Felipe and Letizia Relax in Palma de Mallorca

Despite a recent car bombing in Mallorca, the Spanish Royal Family has refused to change their summer holiday plans.

Prince Felipe sailed in the Copa del Rey Audi Mapfre this week aboard the CAM. Before the start of the regatta, he and his wife Letizia led a minute of silence in memory of the two officers slain in the attack. The royal couple attended the funeral last Friday.

Whilst taking a break from sailing, the Prince of Asturias and his family obliged photographers as they strolled through the historic center of Palma today. The little princesses Leonor and Sofía were dressed in bright pink dresses with white sandals whilst their mother was dressed in a multi-colored shift. Known for her minimalist dress style, the Princess of Asturias was recognized in the 2009 Vanity Fair International Best Dress List alongside Sheikha Mozah of Qatar.

The Copa del Rey Audi Mapfre regatta ends on Saturday.

Photo: REUTERS

Infanta Leonor Begins Classes and Letizia Celebrates Her 36th Birthday

This morning, the Prince and Princess of Asturias escorted their daughter, Infanta Leonor to her new school, the Colegio Santa María de los Rosales. The confident two-year-old displayed her winsome smile appearing in the school’s uniform of grey, white and blue with her pink backpack livening up the ensemble. The little princess is enrolled in the same private institution which her father attended from 1972 to 1984. Leonor previously attended the Escuela Infantil de la Guardia Real on the grounds of El Pardo Palace.

Whilst her eldest daughter began her first day at a new school, the Princess of Asturias celebrated her thirty-sixth birthday. The media covering the morning event conveyed to Letizia birthday greetings as she walked up the school’s drive stylishly dressed in a white blouse, gray slacks and open-toed gray pumps. As she thanked them for their birthday wishes, she expressed her delight of celebrating her birthday the same day that her daughter started her first day at a new school.

The Football Celebration Continues at Zarzuela Palace

King Juan Carlos proudly held the trophy again whilst he met with Spain’s football team at Zarzuela Palace today. He was joined by Queen Sofía, Infanta Elena and the Prince and Princess of Asturias. They congratulated the team and admired the trophy. Spain won the UEFA Euro 2008 against Germany on June 29th.

Photo: REUTERS

The Prince and Princess of Asturias Cheer Spain’s Football Team to Victory

Playing in Vienna, Austria, Spain’s football team emerged victorious in the semi-finals of the 2008 European Championships against Russia on June 26th. The final score was 3 – 0. The Prince of Asturias could barely contain his excitement when he was interviewed in the hallway after the game. Spain will square off against Germany in the final match on June 29th.

Photo: Associated Press/Frank Augstein

Willem-Alexander and Máxima Visit Expo in Zaragoza

The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima of the Netherlands attended a private dinner hosted by the Prince and Princess of Asturias yesterday at Zarzuela Palace. Willem-Alexander and Máxima are in Spain this week for the International Expo 2008 in Zaragoza. The theme for the expo is Water and Sustainable Development, a subject that is an area of expertise for the Prince of Orange. The royal couple participated in the national day for the Netherlands at the expo today.For more information on the International Expo 2008 in Zaragoza, visit the official website.

Photos: Casa de Su Majestad el Rey/Borja, EPA/ZIPI, REUTERS

King Juan Carlos Salutes Troops in Zaragoza

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía of Spain were in Zaragoza over the weekend to honour the troops as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations. On Saturday, the Prince of Asturias attended a reception with his parents at the Academia General Militar. The following day, he and the Princess of Asturias joined his parents to watch the military parade and flypast.Photos: © Ministerio de Defensa de España

Felipe and Letizia Open SMOPYC 2008 Exhibition

The Prince and Princess of Asturias officially opened the 'SMOPYC 2008' exhibition (April 22nd-April 26th) at the Feria de Zaragoza this afternoon. The 14th International Show of Public Works, Construction and Mining Machinery offered a complete representation of the latest technologies and new store releases catagorized within the following areas: earth movements and roads, aggregates and concrete, elevation and maintenance, industrial vehicles and transport, auxiliary equipment for construction and components, spare parts, accessories and services. A demo area was set up for live machinery demostrations. The fair showcased 2,014 exhibitors.

Photo: REUTERS

Theater in Jaén Is Named after Infanta Leonor

Yesterday, the Prince and Princess of Asturias toured a theatre in Jaén which was named in honour of their first child, Infanta Leonor, born October 31, 2005. The two-year old princess started school at the Escuela Infantil de la Guardia Real last September.

The royal guests were entertained with music and drama as they inaugurated the site.

Infanta Sofía Presented to the Virgin of Atocha

Infanta Sofía joined her sister and father in a long family tradition of being presented to the Virgin of Atocha. The short service took place at the Virgin of Atocha Basilica, yesterday, to impart blessing and protection on little Sofía’s behalf. The Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid Antonio María Rouco Varela greeted the Prince and Princess Asturias at the church as the five month old princess smiled and cooed in her mother’s arms. She serenely surveyed her surroundings whilst the service progressed. Even when applause broke out; it did not agitate her. After the service, a well-wisher bestowed a lovely token upon the little princess. The trinket was then placed around her neck by her mother.

Photo: REUTERS/Angel Diaz

Infanta Leonor Begins Preschool

The Prince and Princess of Austrias enrolled Infanta Leonor at the Escuela Infantil de la Guardia Real this week. The adorable tot was dressed in the school's uniform of light blue shorts and white top for her first day. As she walked up the drive toward the school, the little princess helped her parents by wheeling her backpack behind her.

Photo: REUTERS