Next October 12, Princess Leonor of Spain will take another step forward in her participation in the annual Día de la Hispanidad celebrations, attending the parade and subsequent royal reception for the first time.
These events mark another milestone for the 17-year-old heiress, who is taking on more responsibilities on her way to becoming queen.
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Leonor, protagonist of Columbus Day in Spain
This year, Princess Leonor will join her parents, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, to attend the important Armed Forces Day parade commemorating Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas.
Leonor was absent from the parade the previous two years while studying in Wales. But now that she is enrolled in military school in Spain and will resume attending the patriotic spectacle.
Although she will not participate in the parade, Leonor will watch the event alongside King Felipe and Queen Letizia. It will be a symbolic moment for the princess as a military cadet.
For the first time, the Princess of Asturias will join her parents after the parade to attend a reception at the Royal Palace in honor of civil society representatives, government officials and other dignitaries.
Attendance at this high-level royal reception indicates that Leonor is ready for more public royal duties, befitting her status as heir to the throne.
Important upcoming dates for Princess Leonor
October will be full of important events for the Princess, who will also preside over the Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony on October 20. The following day, she will present medals of recognition to exemplary citizens.
But the crowning moment will come on October 31, Princess Leonor’s 18th birthday. On that day she will swear allegiance to the Spanish Constitution before the Congress and the Senate.
Leonor will also receive the Order of the Collar of Charles III from her father at the palace, followed by an official lunch. She is then expected to celebrate her coming of age with her family on 1 November
