Spain’s royal family reunited publicly for the first time in two months as they came together for one of the most important events of their year.
Infanta Sofia joined her sister, Leonor, and their parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, in Oviedo as events for the Princess of Asturias awards got under way.
Sofia has been in Wales where she’s just begun her two year course at UWC Atlantic College. It’s the first time she’s been able to join her sister and parents at a major event since starting this phase of her studies.
Princess Leonor is also now able to enjoy weekends back with her parents having completed the initial stages of her military training. She recently swore allegiance to the flag of Spain at a moving ceremony in Zaragoza, overseen by King Felipe.
The first major event of this year’s awards was, as is traditional, a concert held on the eve of the main prize giving ceremony.
The royal family arrived at the Prince Felipe auditorium in Oviedo in Asturias to a warm reception with large groups of wellwishers cheering them on their way into the concert.
The Principality of Asturias Symphony Orchestra and the Princess of Asturias Foundation Choir led the music, performing music by Ralph Vaughan Williams before concluding with the regional hymn.
Afterwards, the King and Queen were joined by their daughters on a walkabout to meet some of the wellwishers waiting to see them.
The Princess of Asturias Awards, which celebrate arts, science and literature, will be handed out on October 20th 2023. Among this year’s recipients are Oscar winning actress Meryl Streep.
The ceremony will also see Princess Leonor give a speech, as is now traditional. This year’s address will be watched closely as it comes just days before their heir to the throne turns 18.