Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, is taking her first steps towards her future role as queen.
One of the changes that Leonor will experience when she inherits the Crown is her official name. Under what name will the eldest daughter of the King and Queen rule?
Under what name will Princess Leonor reign?
When Princess Leonor is proclaimed queen of Spain, her name will change to the regal name she will use during her reign.
Although there have been other queens named Leonor in history, such as Leonor of Navarre in the 15th century, the heiress to the Spanish throne will be called Leonor I.
This is because the previous Queen Leonor only reigned over the kingdom of Navarre, not over the entire Spanish nation.
Therefore, although she is the second queen of Spain named Leonor, she will be known as Leonor I to differentiate her from earlier, more limited reigns.
The regnal number accompanying the royal name serves to distinguish monarchs with the same name throughout history.
Thus, the daughter of King Felipe VI will be Leonor I, while her father is Felipe VI to differentiate him from his predecessors named Felipe.
Leonor will use the name Leonor I from the exact moment she is proclaimed queen, after the death or abdication of her father.
Until then, she will continue to use her current title of Princess of Asturias.
The original choice of the heiress’ first name, Leonor, was not accidental either.
Her parents wanted to link her to outstanding queens previously called Leonor who left their mark on Spanish history. Among them, were Leonor of Aquitaine, Leonor of Castile, or Leonor of Navarre.
Thus, when she inherits the throne, Princess Leonor will use the royal name Leonor I as queen of Spain, linking with a name of great monarchical tradition but differentiating herself from previous queens.