For centuries, the Spanish monarchy has clearly distinguished its members with titles that do not always coincide with those of other European royal houses.
While in countries such as the United Kingdom or the Netherlands all the children of the monarch are usually princes or princesses, in Spain only the heir to the throne receives this treatment. The other children of the king receive the title of infantes or infantas, a difference that is neither casual nor decorative.
These differences come from a traditional structure of the Spanish Crown, and hierarchically define their role within the institution.
What does Infanta mean?
The term “infanta” comes from the Latin infans, which meant “he who does not speak”. Over time, this concept evolved in the Hispanic kingdoms to designate the children of the king who were not destined to reign.
Today, this title retains a clear symbolic weight that honors belonging to the royal family, but without implying functions of power or succession.
Thus a precise line is drawn between who will represent the sovereignty of the country and who will act as an institutional support figure.
Unlike the crown princes, the infantas do not have their own coats of arms or territorial titles, and their presence in official acts is more limited.
Royal Decree 1368/1987 regulates these nuances, making it clear that the role of these members is subject to a more discreet institutional profile.
They are also not obliged to perform permanent official duties, which allows them greater personal freedom, although this does not diminish their relevance.
This decision is part of a conscious strategy that seeks a sober, functional monarchy with fewer active figures to contain public spending and reduce criticism.
Basically, the fact that the Infanta Sofia is not a princess does not imply a lower valuation, but a clear way of ordering the internal structure of the institution and preserving the tradition of royal titles in Spain.