On July 10, 2024, Princess Leonor presided over one of the most significant events: the Princess of Girona Awards.
These awards recognize and celebrate emerging talent leading innovative initiatives with the potential to create a positive and lasting impact on society through cooperation and collective effort.
This distinguished honor is categorized into five main areas, each aimed at highlighting and promoting excellence in its specific field.
Accompanied by her parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and her sister, Infanta Sofía, the princess attended the awards ceremony in Lloret de Mar—a vibrant coastal town on the Costa Brava in Catalonia, Spain—located 75 kilometers from Barcelona and 40 kilometers from Girona.
Photos of the Princess of Girona Awards
The event took place at the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones, with the monarchs presiding and the Princess playing a prominent role.
The awardees included outstanding young individuals from various disciplines, such as actress Victoria Luengo, biologist Moisés Expósito-Alonso, and architect Daniel Millor Vela.
While royal attire garnered significant attention, the ceremony transcended mere fashion display. Before the event, the royal family had the opportunity to closely engage with several innovative projects presented at the Talent Forum.
Despite a warm reception for the royal family members, a protest against the monarchy posed a potential threat to the event.
Independentist demonstrators expressed their discontent with the royal family’s presence. Nevertheless, the ceremony proceeded without incidents, maintaining its normal course.
Princess Leonor stood out in an elegant navy blue dress adorned with lace appliqués from the brand Self Portrait.
Queen Letizia dazzled in an elegant white Carolina Herrera dress embellished with black embroidered tulips, complemented by Hugo Boss high-heeled sandals, a black clutch, and earrings by a Venezuelan designer.
On the other hand, Infanta Sofía opted for a two-piece blue ensemble from The Are—the same outfit she wore at Princess Leonor’s graduation in Wales the previous year.
During her speech, Princess Leonor skillfully alternated between Catalan and Castilian, beginning with a warm greeting: “Good evening, from the heart of the Costa Brava, here in Girona—a place where innovation and beauty converge for our enjoyment.”
She continued enthusiastically: “I’d like to share a story with all of you. I assure you it’s not long and ends well. In this tale of exceptional people, there are journeys, emotions, determination, and a great effort to make things work. There are promises, heroines, and heroes, tears, and dreams,” said Leonor before honoring the awardees.
King Felipe also expressed gratitude to all members of the Princess of Girona Foundation, noting recent significant milestones, including the foundation’s fifteenth anniversary.
