Almost a year ago, we saw Infanta Sofia make her first solo appearance, presenting the awards for the inaugural “Objetivo Patrimonio” competition. At that time, it was presented as a wonderful opportunity to give her her own visibility within the institutional agenda and, in the process, promote a project that combined photography and national heritage.
But here we are, twelve months later, and the situation has changed significantly: there are no new guidelines, no call for submissions, and, for now, no indication of a second edition.
Why hasn’t the contest been held this year?
Last year, the participation period ran from April to September. This year, there has been complete silence. Patrimonio Nacional has not announced any changes, and uncertainty is growing, especially since they haven’t even responded to inquiries about the future of the contest.
And it’s interesting, because Sofia’s debut already generated mixed feelings. The event was held in a room of the Royal Collections Gallery, which many described as narrow and poorly lit. Furthermore, the Infanta’s presence was limited: she did not speak, had no particularly prominent role, and the event lasted only half an hour.
Sofia arrived impeccably dressed in a white suit, a clear nod to the style both her mother and sister have chosen for important occasions. Although elegant, it didn’t quite match her usual, more relaxed and youthful tone.
Even so, she fulfilled her role and presented the awards to the winners in three categories: Palaces and Monasteries, Natural Spaces, and Works of Art.
The winning projects were truly impressive, featuring images of the Escorial, Aranjuez, La Granja, and iconic locations from the Royal Collection. Therefore, it is even more difficult to understand why an initiative so closely aligned with Spanish heritage has been suspended without explanation.
Will there be a second edition next year?
At present, there is no indication that they are working on a return to the competition. Perhaps it also plays a role that Infanta Sofia has begun her university life in Portugal, at a pace quite different from last year. Even so, she has continued to attend important family events in 2025, demonstrating that she remains on the institutional radar.
The question, which remains unanswered, is whether we will see a new edition of the awards that bear her name, or if that debut will remain an isolated gesture within her agenda.