King Felipe's Christmas Speech and 2022 Spanish Royal Family Review

The Princess of Asturias Awards 2022

Leonor and Sofía Visit Museo Dalí

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

First Birthday for Spain’s Infanta Sofía

Infanta Sofía turned a year old today. She was born at the Rúber International Clinic. Currently, she is third in line to the Spanish throne after her father and sister Infanta Leonor. She is King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía’s eighth grandchild.

Photo: REUTERS

Prince Felipe Imparts Idyllic Family Life for His 40th Birthday

As the Prince of Asturias nears his 40th birthday, a series of family portraits have been released on the Casa de Su Majestad el Rey website. Prince Felipe was born January 30, 1968 at the Nuestra Señora de Loreto clinic in Madrid. He formalized his role as the heir to the throne by swearing allegiance to his father, King Juan Carlos and the Spanish Constitution on January 30,1986 in front of the Spanish Parliament. In May 1995, he earned a Master’s degree in International Relations from Georgetown University. He is a qualified helicopter pilot and holds the ranks of Commander of the General Land Army Corps (Infantry), Lieutenant Commander in the General Navy and Commander of the General Air Force.

Among his many official duties, he presides over the Prince of Asturias Foundation which was formed on September 24, 1980. The foundation’s main objectives include “strengthening the links between the Principality of Asturias and its Prince and of contributing to upholding and promoting all those scientific, cultural and humanistic values that form the heritage of humanity.”

On May 22, 2004, Prince Felipe married Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano. He and Letizia have two daughters: Infanta Leonor and Infanta Sofía.



Photos: Casa de Su Majestad el Rey/Borja

Christmas Card Portraits of The Spanish Royal Family

The Spanish Royal Family released some family portraits which were used on their Christmas cards this year. For King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía, it has almost become de rigueur for them be photographed with their grandchildren which included the newest addition, Infanta Sofía. The little princess was born on April 29th.


Photos: Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

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 Sofía's Christening

Infanta Sofía de Todos los Santos was christened today at Zarzuela Palace. Water from the River Jordan was poured on her head as Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela (Archbishop of Madrid) blessed the proceedings. Her godparents are her maternal grandmother Paloma Rocasolano and Prince Konstantin of Bulgaria. Sofía was named in honor of her paternal grandmother Queen Sofía of Spain.

Infanta Sofía was born on April 29th at Rúber International Clinic. Currently, she is third in line to the throne after her father the Prince of Asturias and her older sister Infanta Leonor. Leonor's succession right has yet to be determined by The Cortes. If the Prince and Princess of Asturias have another child, and the baby is a boy, he will pre-empt Leonor as the next heir to the throne after his father Felipe.

Infanta Sofía Makes Her Appearance

Yesterday afternoon, Infanta Sofía made her long-awaited debut for the cameras. She was wrapped in an ivory blanket which hid a delicate ivory dress and sweater trimmed in lace and ribbon. Whilst addressing the media, the Princess of Asturias looked radiant and relaxed as Sofía rested peacefully in her arms.

The baby was delivered by caesarean section on April 29th at 4:50pm (Spain’s local time). She weighed 3310 grams (7.3lbs) and her length was 50 centimeters (19.7in).

During the week, Infanta Leonor made several appearances to see her sister at Ruber Clinic. The adorable toddler was dressed in a lovely blue-flowered frock for her first visit. Afterwards, she appeared with a pink duck clutched in her grasp. For her second outing, Leonor was casual in blue jeans and burgundy sweater. When the family of four finally made their appearance on Friday, Leonor reflected the happy mood in her frock dotted with red flowers and her bright, cheerful red sweater. She radiated smiles, waves and baby words which delighted the watching crowd.