Every October 31st, Princess Leonor is in the spotlight. She turned 20 this year, and in true form, she did so quietly, with no public appearances or confirmed details about how she celebrated.
Discretion has become her hallmark. In the Royal Household, birthdays are not shared with the public, and Leonor has learned to enjoy those days privately, away from the flashes and official etiquette. Even so, occasionally a detail slips through, allowing us to imagine how the future Queen of Spain celebrates.
The exception, of course, was her 18th birthday. That day in 2023 was impossible to keep a secret. Leonor took the oath of allegiance to the Constitution in the Congress of Deputies, then attended a luncheon at the Royal Palace with family and institutional figures.
Later, at the El Pardo Palace, the celebration became more intimate, attended by her grandparents, the King and Queen Emeritus, her aunts, cousins, and a few close friends. Nothing was revealed about what happened behind closed doors, but it was undoubtedly the only time we witnessed a truly “royal” celebration in every sense.
Beyond grand events, the princess appears to favor simpler arrangements. Last year, while studying at the Naval School in Marín, she received a very special visit: her sister Sofía traveled to Galicia to accompany her.
They spent the day training and sharing a cake with their classmates, an image that portrays a relatable Leonor, more cadet than heiress.
A year earlier, during her initial training in Zaragoza, the local press observed her quietly celebrating with friends at a hamburger restaurant.
Her time in Wales was also kept quiet. During her time at boarding school, it coincided with the fall break, allowing her to celebrate with her family, although details were never revealed.
Today, at the General Air Force Academy, she follows the same routine: study, fulfill her duties, and, if there’s time, celebrate quietly.
In the end, it seems Leonor celebrates like any other girl her age, with discretion and with those she loves the most.