For the first time, Princess Leonor has presided over an official act alone in Asturias, an occasion that marked her maturity and commitment to the principality.
Until now, she had always been accompanied by her parents, but having reached the age of majority, the heir to the throne assumed this responsibility without the presence of the King and Queen or her sister, the Infanta Sofia.
In an emotional event, she was named Honorary Mayor of Oviedo and received the medals of Asturias and gave an emotional speech.
The Town Hall Square was packed with people eager to see their princess, both Oviedo locals and visitors from other parts of Asturias.
“Long live the Princess of Asturias!” and ‘Beautiful!’ were some of the shouts that echoed through the crowd.
Leonor did not miss the opportunity and came to personally greet some of those who gathered to see her on this special day.
For the occasion, Leonor chose an elegant sky blue suit, paired with a black top and low-heeled shoes from Pink Chic GuaGua. She complemented her outfit with a black bag from Ansa per Ansa and a delicate silver ring.
Like her father 36 years ago, in October 1988, the princess became Honorary Mayoress of Oviedo. During the ceremony, which lasted just five minutes, she received the commemorative medallion, a badge and the baton of office from the Mayor of Oviedo, Alfredo Canteli.
After the ceremony, Leonor went to the library of the University of Oviedo. Although the trip was only supposed to last five minutes, her desire to greet the attendees extended the walk to almost twenty.
Once at the University, and visibly moved, the Princess gave a speech full of personal memories and a deep respect for her Asturian heritage.
She fondly recalled the walks through the Asturian forests and the stories of her great-grandmother, Menchu Álvarez del Valle, about life in Asturias.
In her own words, she said, “Our great-grandmother used to tell Sofia and me about the Asturias where she lived and raised her family. We really enjoyed her radio stories of that time.”
The Princess also mentioned how significant it is for her to bear the title of Princess of Asturias, stressing that “carrying Asturias in my heart is more than a commitment, it is a pride and a joy.” This gesture of closeness and gratitude was received with warm applause.
Princess Leonor’s full speech in Oviedo
President, Minister, authorities, dear Asturian men and women.
I confess that I came many times with my mother and father to Asturias during my childhood. My Asturian family is very Asturian, you know what I mean, and from a very young age I was able to get to know the forests of the east and go for long walks among those carob and chestnut trees that are now part of my childhood. Our great-grandmother used to tell Sofía and me about the Asturias where she lived and where she raised her family. We enjoyed very much her radio stories of that time. I visited beautiful beaches, I visited mountains, valleys and incredible villages, I became fond of sea urchins to the amazement of my sister… We have both been very happy here. And we are so every year when we come to promote the values promoted by the Princess of Asturias Foundation.
That is why today I feel so grateful and that is why this autumn morning is so special for me. I am heartily grateful to the Government of the Principality of Asturias for the award of the Medal of the Principality and to the city of Oviedo for the title of Honorary Mayoress. I receive it with respect and with the certainty that, as my father felt almost 40 years ago, they mean something very important: the commitment I acquire, which guides me and will always guide me, to be worthy of these recognitions.
I remember that it was exciting on my first official trip of 2018 to visit the Santina, the Virgin of Covadonga, in Cangas de Onís. And I will also not forget the first time that, before the lectern of the Campoamor theater, I received such a warm applause, which was like a hug. So I can say that you Asturians have accompanied me in many important moments of my life, and how can I not feel at ease here?
That is why these words are for you, for all the people of this land who have always supported me, who give me your affection and make me feel welcome and happy on every occasion. I carry Asturias in my heart. And it will always be the beloved homeland that the anthem says, the land that gives its name to the title that designates me as Princess and, therefore, servant of Spain, and the place of origin of my maternal family. I said it in my first speech in Oviedo, in 2019: I have Asturian blood. And that not only imprints character: it is a pride and a joy. And that is why I wanted you, the Asturians, to be the protagonists of these words on this day of recognition and that you feel them like the embrace I give you now like the one you gave me after my first speech.
Thank you very much.