What will happen to Infanta Sofia when Princess Leonor becomes Queen of Spain? This question has been around for a long time, and it’s becoming increasingly important. It is clear that Leonor has been preparing to become queen for years. But what role will Sofia play in that future?
Infanta Sofia studies in Portugal, appears at events when called upon, and keeps a low profile—which, according to some experts on Spanish royalty, is not by chance but by strategy.
Olga Pérez, Semana magazine’s royal family specialist, and journalist Ana Polo Alonso have very clear opinions on what awaits her, and their views are well worth hearing.
Both agree on one key point: Sofia will play a significant institutional role, not a ceremonial one. Pérez describes her role as “somewhat in the background, but very strong, providing constant support and working closely with others.”
Polo Alonso agrees, pointing out that Queen Letizia has been promoting this message for years, that Leonor is the captain, and that Sofia is part of the team.
Both rule out the possibility of Sofia working in the private sector, something that Infantas Elena and Cristina did in their time. Cristina’s experience and the Nóos scandal taught the Royal Family a very clear lesson, and no one wants to repeat that mistake.
Sofia as Leonor’s “spare”
Pérez uses a word that doesn’t go unnoticed: “spare.” At heart, Sofia is second in line to the throne, which, in royal terms, means that her life is also shaped by that position. At the same time, she cannot be reduced to a decorative figure, nor can she overshadow her sister. It’s a difficult balance that others in other royal houses have already experienced, and one that Sofia herself seems to have fully accepted.
“Leonor will be Sofia’s boss, and that’s something she’s accepted almost from the cradle,” says Pérez. In this context, the fact that the two sisters get along well and have a close relationship is much more than just a nice touch: it is a real political advantage.
Where will Infanta Sofia live when Leonor takes over La Zarzuela?
When Leonor ascends to the throne, the Zarzuela Palace will become her official residence. According to Pérez, the most logical thing for Sofia to do is to become independent and make her own life, just as Elena and Cristina did in their time. After getting married, Elena lived in Paris for a while, while Cristina moved to Barcelona.
Polo Alonso adds that it is also possible that Sofia may choose to live outside of Spain at some point, although he clarifies that he envisions them living nearby. There is no written rule, and, interestingly, that gives Sofia a degree of decision-making freedom that few royals of her generation have.
What does seem certain is that her schedule will become busier as she finishes her studies, and that the challenge will be for her to find her own space without relying entirely on the Crown.