The Princess of Asturias Awards 2024 was an event that made clear the advancement of the Spanish monarchy and the growing importance of Princess Leonor, who is preparing to assume her role as future queen.
During the ceremony, King Felipe gave an emotional speech that marked a milestone in the history of the royal family.
Así han sido recibidos los Reyes, la Princesa de Asturias, la Infanta Sofía y la Reina Sofía a su llegada al Teatro Campoamor (Oviedo) con motivo de los #PremiosPrincesadeAsturias 2024
➡️https://t.co/Yend1EHWAe pic.twitter.com/3qLuC34UmI
— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) October 25, 2024
In his words, he hinted that he is ready to delegate part of his responsibilities to his daughter, something that does not go unnoticed by those who observe the evolution of the monarchy.
But that is not all. At the end of the ceremony, the king showed a gesture that symbolizes the pride of a father and, at the same time, the beginning of a kind of transition of power.
King Felipe at the Princess of Asturias Awards Ceremony
Over the years, Felipe VI has had the honor and responsibility of praising the award winners at this event, but this time, he made a very special announcement: from now on, it will be Leonor who will assume this task as Honorary President of the Foundation that bears her name.
“For me, it has been a great privilege and a continuous learning experience. To see Leonor assuming these duties is very moving, both as King and father,” said the monarch during his speech.
In addition, as a reflection of the confidence he has in his daughter, Leonor was given the responsibility of convening next year’s awards, 2025.
This gesture marked her first time in a role that traditionally corresponded to her father, highlighting the new stage that is beginning for her in the public sphere.
“Throughout these more than four decades -the last 20 years with the Queen and more recently also with Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia-, I have had the honor and responsibility of praising the awardees at this ceremony.
Therefore, allow me to share with you an intimate thought: You will understand if I tell you that I see with emotion -as a King and as a father- that Leonor, as Honorary President of the Foundation that bears her name, will be in charge of doing so from now on, as we have just seen a moment ago.
For me it has been a great privilege and a continuous, exciting and rewarding learning experience,” said the monarch in part of his speech.
And, as if that were not enough, at the conclusion of the event, as the king prepared to greet the authorities present, a poignant moment occurred.
Felipe interrupted a conversation between Leonor and her sister Sofia to give his eldest daughter an affectionate hug.
Qué abrazo más bonito. pic.twitter.com/5yJEI8AT7L
— Pilar Eyre (@pilareyre) October 25, 2024
This moment speaks of more than just a father’s pride; it represents a generational handover, a significant step in the responsibilities that the Princess of Asturias will have, who will now play a more prominent role than in previous years.
King Felipe’s gesture at this event not only celebrates Leonor’s achievements, but also symbolizes a new dawn for the Spanish monarchy, where we begin to see the integration of a promising young woman in a position of greater relevance.
The royal family is at a key moment, and all eyes are on Princess Leonor, who is ready to carry the legacy into the future.