With a mixture of nerves and excitement, Princess Leonor has taken an important step in her career as future Queen of Spain by delivering her first institutional speech abroad.
This event took place at a luncheon held at the Belém Palace in Lisbon, during her first official trip outside Spain.
In her speech, Leonor recalled the special relationship that her parents, the King and Queen of Spain, have with Portugal, a country they have visited numerous times both in their official functions and in their private lives.
Princess Leonor’s Speech in Portugal
The princess spoke about the “sincere friendship” and “deep and mutual respect” between the two countries, underlining the strong ties that unite Spain and Portugal.
“Thank you very much, Mr. President, for your kind words, for the hospitality and for the immense affection with which you are receiving me here in Lisbon, in Portugal, on my first official trip abroad,” the Princess began with gratitude and warmth.
Leonor went on to evoke personal and family memories:
“Ten years ago this beloved country was my parents’ first destination as King and Queen of Spain, so I cannot deny how special it is also for me to be here today. They, who have been here on so many occasions, have spoken to me with great affection, ‘com saudade’, of their visits to Portugal, of the affection they have received in its streets and how you have made them feel always at home. That is how I feel today. This is a trip that I was really looking forward to and that makes me very happy.”
In addition to the formalities, the princess shared her experiences of the day:
“This morning I saw the Jerónimos Monastery and the tomb of Luis de Camões. And I am looking forward to going this afternoon to the Lisbon Oceanarium and chatting with the young scientists working there to reflect together on our future and that of our planet.”
In the final part of her speech, Leonor highlighted the closeness between Spain and Portugal:
“Portugal and Spain share a neighborliness that goes far beyond simple geographical proximity; it is a neighborliness that encompasses many dimensions and that translates into a sincere friendship and a deep and mutual respect between our two countries.”
The Toast
To conclude the luncheon, Princess Leonor surprised those present with her mastery of Portuguese when toasting:
“Quero fazer um brinde a estas magníficas relações, a Vossa Excelência, querido Presidente Rebelo de Sousa, e ao querido povo português, que tanto estimo. Cheers.
With this first speech abroad, Princess Leonor has reaffirmed the special relationship between Spain and Portugal, but has also demonstrated her ability and readiness to assume future responsibilities as heir to the throne.