Princess Leonor issues passionate plea to Spain as she swears loyalty to constitution

Princess Leonor turned 18 today

GETTY
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 31/10/2023

- 15:32

The future Queen of Spain celebrated her birthday today

Princess Leonor of Spain issued a passionate plea to Spain today as she swore loyalty to the constitution.

The 18-year-old can now officially act as regent when her father, King Felipe, is unable to carry out duties.


The swearing-in ceremony took place at the House of Parliament in Madrid in the presence of her father, mother Queen Letizia and sister Infanta Sofia.

Princess Leonor will be Spain's first reigning Queen in over 150 years. The teen royal stated her commitment to the Spanish people, and in turn asked the public to trust in her as she became a Queen-in-waiting.

Infanta Sofia, Princess Leonor, Queen Letizia

Princess Leonor swore an oath to the constitution

Reuters

Leonor wore her hair in a sleek low ponytail, which she teamed with a striking fitted white suit.

The princess's white suit was reminiscent of the gorgeous ensemble Queen Letizia wore after becoming engaged to King Felipe in 2003.

Today's nationally televised ceremony symbolised the continuity of Spain's parliamentary monarchy and the institution’s allegiance to the lower house of Parliament.

After kissing both of her parents on the cheek, Leonor addressed the crowd.

King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor

Princess Leonor will be the future Queen of Spain

Reuters

She said: "I very well understand and am aware of what my duty is and what my responsibilities entail."

After delivering the oath, Princess Leonor received a standing ovation.

Once the ceremony was over, Leonor was presented with medals of Congress and The Senate.

King Felipe then offered a sweet fatherly gesture by stepping in to adjust his eldest daughter's ponytail.

Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, Infanta Sofia

Princess Leonor wore a crisp white suit

Reuters

Princess Leonor, King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Infanta Sofia

King Felipe became the monarch in 2014

Reuters

This was so the heavy-looking medals could be seen around her neck.

Princess Leonor became the heir to the throne once her father became King in 2014.

Her grandfather, Juan Carlos I, abdicated in 2014 after an elephant-hunting scandal broke out that concerned his son-in-law.

The former monarch now lives in Abu Dhabi in exile.

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