The King and Queen of Spain, Letizia and Felipe, have always demonstrated a firm commitment to the safety and privacy of their daughters, Leonor and Sofia. However, with Leonor on the path to becoming the future queen, the protection she receives has been significantly intensified.
This increase in the number of bodyguards has become more evident due to recent troubling events involving Princess Amalia of the Netherlands, King Felipe’s goddaughter.
Princess Leonor’s security
The close relationship between the royal houses of Spain and the Netherlands has led to collaboration on security issues. In the past, Princess Amalia has received protection at the Zarzuela royal residence in Madrid.
Recently, concern for her safety was rekindled following an attempted kidnapping on August 23.
The German newspaper ‘Brune’ reported that two people, identified as “cocaine traffickers”, were seen loitering around Amalia’s apartment in Amsterdam.
The princess’ personal bodyguards, upon noticing the situation, alerted the police, which resulted in an interception of the suspects.
However, the situation became tense when the individuals refused to cooperate, leading to a confrontation with the authorities.
This incident has underlined the need to strengthen security measures, especially after the 2021 episode, when Princess Amalia received threats from the Mocro Maffia criminal organization.
In response, her parents decided to temporarily relocate her to Spain, where the Spanish Royal House took charge of her protection.
During her stay in Madrid, the threats ceased, allowing the princess to enjoy a period of peace. The Dutch royal family greatly appreciated this gesture of support.
In gratitude, the King of the Netherlands conferred on Princess Leonor the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic, marking the first foreign distinction she received.