King Felipe VI, 56, underwent surgery on his left hand last year due to an injury playing paddle tennis.
This intervention not only solved the immediate problem, but also revealed a condition that the monarch shares with many people in Spain: onychophagia.
This compulsive disorder, which manifests itself in the inability to stop biting his nails, could have been inherited by his eldest daughter, 18-year-old Princess Leonor.
Princess Leonor’s Possible Onychophagia
In her recent public appearances, Princess Leonor has been noted to wear her nails extremely short and natural, without polish.
This has led to speculation that she may also suffer from onychophagia, especially in times of stress and anxiety.
The young princess has recently completed her training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza and is taking on more and more responsibilities as the future heir to the throne, which could increase her stress level.
Stress and Anxiety in Leonor’s Life
The pressure that comes with her role in the royal family and her recent academic achievements could be factors that lead her to bite her nails, similar to her father, who often tries to hide his hands in public.
Some even suggest that King Philip may have dermatophagia, a related disorder that involves biting not only the nails, but also the surrounding skin.
Experts recommend seeking professional help for these disorders, as they can cause finger deformities if not properly treated.
Princess Leonor’s Manicure
In addition to possible onychophagia, Leonor might also avoid painting her nails to mimic the discreet style of her mother, Queen Letizia, 52.
The princess’s nails are usually so short that you can barely see the white crescent, and sometimes you can notice hairs around them.
Only on one occasion has she been seen with polish, last summer, when she wore red nails while attending with her family to see the movie ‘Barbie’ in Palma de Mallorca. Other than that, Leonor seems to prefer a simple and timeless manicure, similar to her mother’s.
Although there is no written rule prohibiting royal women from wearing brightly painted nails, it is uncommon to see queens or princesses with extravagant polishes.