Queen Letizia of Spain said an emotional farewell to her youngest daughter, Infanta Sofia, who will begin a new stage in her life in Wales.
The 16-year-old embarked on her educational journey at the UWC Atlantic College in Wales, the same center where her sister, Princess Leonor, studied the last two years of high school.
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Queen Letizia, who has been accustomed to having her daughters close to her on a day-to-day basis, now faces a significant change.
For the first time, both daughters will live outside Zarzuela, the royal residence. Although she had become accustomed to Princess Leonor studying in Wales, the departure of Infanta Sofia will mark a new chapter in the Queen’s life.
The Infanta Sofia, who until recently studied at the Santa Maria de los Rosales school, will be away from her parents for the first time.
It will also be the first time in 17 years that the King and Queen of Spain will be alone at the Zarzuela Palace.
Queen Letizia: Two farewells that mark her life
Sofia’s farewell comes just two weeks after saying goodbye to Princess Leonor at the Military Academy of Zaragoza.
For Infanta Sofia’s farewell, the official account of the Royal Household chose to publish more intimate photos to say goodbye to their daughter.
Contrary to the photos of Princess Leonor’s farewell at the Madrid airport, the location to make Sofia’s farewell public was at the gates of Zarzuela, just when the family was packing their bags in the car that would take Sofia to the airport.
In the pictures, you can see the King and Queen proud, very smiling, but in the background with mixed feelings.
The Queen of Spain will now also live in a new stage where the absence of her daughters will mark her daily life. For the first time, she will have her two daughters living outside her residence.
The fact that Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia will start different stages outside Zarzuela, brings a big change for Letizia.
When will mother and daughters meet again?
The first break will be from October 27 to November 5, so Sofia will not be able to attend either the national holiday parade on October 12 or the Princess of Asturias Awards in Oviedo scheduled on the 20th of that month.
As for Princess Leonor, there are several moments in which Queen Letizia could be reunited with her.
- The parade on October 12, Columbus Day.
- The Princess of Asturias Awards to be held on the 20th of the same month.
In the case of Infanta Sofia, it will be on October 27 when she will start her week of vacation, which ends on November 5. Therefore, Sofia will not be able to attend these events.
Although the distance will temporarily separate Queen Letizia from her youngest daughter, the bond between them will surely be strengthened despite the physical distance.
This new chapter in the life of Queen Letizia and her family will mark an important change.
Although saying goodbye to Infanta Sofia was difficult, Queen Letizia is proud of the new educational opportunities her daughters are exploring and that is reflected in the photographs.
Letizia is ready to support and encourage her daughters on their path to growth and independence.
