This Friday, July 12, was a day of great relevance for Princess Leonor, 18, on her way as an institutional figure.
After a busy week with the Princess of Girona Awards, the daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia headed to Lisbon, Portugal, for her first official trip abroad.
Leonor starred in the traditional farewell with honors at Barajas airport, where she showed off her elegant look for this important day.
A few hours later, she landed at Lisbon’s Figo Maduro Military Airport, where she was warmly received by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
After a cordial handshake and two affectionate kisses, Leonor and the authorities went to the official cars to begin the planned events.
Princess Leonor’s brief mistake when arriving at the Jerónimos Monastery
One of the first acts on Leonor’s agenda was the floral offering at the tomb of the Portuguese poet Luís de Camões, in the Jerónimos Monastery of Santa María de Belém.
At that moment, the young lady had a little mistake. After greeting the ecclesiastical authorities, the princess turned around, possibly to talk to the driver of the official car or to greet the citizens present.
As she looked away, President Rebelo de Sousa and the other authorities had already taken a few steps towards the church. Noticing this, Leonor hurried to meet them, handling the situation with elegance.
Leonor’s perfectionist gesture at the wreath offering
Inside the monastery, the Infanta Sofia’s sister, 17, visited the tomb of the poet Luís de Camões, where she placed a wreath of flowers.
Although she had to keep a certain distance, the princess approached to adjust the fabric strips of the wreath, which bore the flag of Spain and her title of Princess of Asturias.
This gesture demonstrated her attention to detail and her desire for everything to turn out perfectly.
Princess Leonor, attentive to the explanations in Portugal
Leonor has shown much interest in her visit to Lisbon, paying attention to the explanations of the Portuguese president and a guide about the Jeronimos Monastery. Her respect and curiosity for the history of the neighboring country were evident.
Princess Leonor’s spontaneous hesitation at the Belém Palace
After visiting the monastery, Leonor went to the Palace of Belém, where she received the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ, her first decoration outside Spain.
After the ceremony, she signed the palace’s book of honor, leaving a record of her trip.
“I feel very honored after receiving the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ from the hands of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. That my first official visit as Princess of Asturias is to Portugal is a dream fulfilled,” the princess wrote. During the signing, Leonor showed a spontaneous hesitation and asked with a shy smile, “Like this, no?”, showing her naturalness and closeness.
Princess Leonor’s first speech abroad
At lunch at the Belém Palace, President Rebelo de Sousa welcomed Leonor with some affectionate words.
The princess responded with a speech that showed her growing confidence in public speaking.
She thanked for the hospitality and recalled her parents’ special relationship with Portugal.
“Ten years ago, this beloved country was my parents’ first destination as King and Queen of Spain. They have spoken to me with great affection about their visits to Portugal and how they always felt at home. That is how I feel today,” said Leonor.
To conclude, she surprised everyone by toasting in Portuguese:
“I would like to make a toast to our magnificent relations, to your excellency, Rebelo de Sousa, and to the Portuguese people I love so much. Cheers and thank you,” said Leonor with complete mastery of the Portuguese language.
With this first speech abroad, Princess Leonor demonstrated her ability and readiness to assume future responsibilities as heir to the throne.