Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Princess of Asturias is undertaking her first solo Official Visit to the Republic of Portugal on July 12th. The choice of Portugal as the destination for the first official trip abroad by the Princess reflects and reinforces the bonds of brotherhood and closeness that unite both countries.
The Princess of Asturias was greeted by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and a Guard of Honour at Lisbon Airport before travelling to the Jerónimos Monastery of Santa María de Belém, to lay a wreath at the tomb of Luis de Camões, and sign the Book of Honour.
The Princess of Asturias then traveled to the Belém Palace, where she was officially received by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and reviewed the Guard of Honour before being awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ in the Ambassadors’ Hall.
Afterwards, the President hosted a Luncheon in honour of the Princess of Asturias at the Belém Palace, at which the Princess recalled that:
Ten years ago this beloved country was the first destination of my parents as King and Queen of Spain, so I cannot deny how special it is for me to be here today.
They, who have been here on so many occasions, have spoken to me with great affection, “com saudade”, of their visits to Portugal, of the love they have received in its streets and how you have always made them feel at home”.
“That is how I feel today”
Later, the Princess of Asturias and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa held a meeting with the Blue Ocean Foundation at the Oceanário de Lisboa to learn more about its projects.