Amid the mystery surrounding Princess Leonor’s 18th birthday bash held within the palace walls, insights into the celebration’s expenses have surfaced.
While the exact figures remain undisclosed, official records shed light on the royal affair’s financial aspects.
Princess Leonor’s 18th Birthday: Exploring the Costs
The royal celebration took place at the El Pardo Palace, with the entire Royal Family, including the surprise attendance of Grandfather Juan Carlos I.
The institutional festivity unfolded at the Gala Dining Hall of the Royal Palace, hosting around a hundred guests.
Amidst distinguished figures, Leonor commemorated her coming of age with a formal luncheon following her constitutional oath before the Cortes Generales.
The proud presence of her parents, alongside her sister, Infanta Sofía, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and opposition leader Alberto Nuñez Feijóo, added to the grandeur.
Princess Leonor’s Elegant Luncheon Celebration at the Royal Palace
The luncheon menu featured a modest yet refined selection, including pullet consommé, red mullets, and a chocolate mousse, complemented by fine wines.
Amidst the solemnity, Princess Leonor raised her glass in a symbolic toast.
The catering contract amounted to 25,300 euros (over $27,000), awarded to Proyecto Llave 2021 SL, helmed by Óscar Velasco and Montserrat Abellá.
Notably, Pastelerías Mallorca, recognized for serving royal events like the National Day reception and the Military Easter in 2023, provided the culinary delights.
Amongst the festivity’s heartwarming moments was Princess Leonor’s affectionate embrace of her mother, the Queen, during a challenging period—a poignant highlight amidst one of their most significant days.
Austerity
Despite the celebration’s elegance, the Royal Household maintained fiscal prudence, underscoring a budget surplus of 710,214 euros from its allocated 8.43 million euro budget for the previous fiscal year.
Comparatively, Queen Letizia’s modest annual stipend of 148,105 euros, a fraction of her European counterparts like Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, highlights her thrifty approach.
While Queen Letizia allocated around 60,000 euros for her wardrobe, Princess Leonor, lacking a personal allowance post-majority, relies on the Royal Family’s shared finances.