The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, has announced that the general elections in the Iberian country will be brought forward to next July, this decision has had a direct impact on the scheduling of the swearing-in of Princess Leonor.
Initially, there had been talk of a possible postponement of Leonor’s swearing-in to January 2024, due to the fact that the elections were scheduled for December. Under that circumstance, the Prime Minister would finish his term at the end of October, and the Houses of Parliament would have to be dissolved before the elections, which affected the princess’s swearing-in ceremony.
When is Princess Leonor’s oath to the Constitution?
Now, with the sudden advance of the elections in Spain, speculation has been generated about the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of the heiress, since it is expected that by October 31, the day she celebrates her 18th birthday, the Parliament, the Congress and the Senate will already be formed, which would not be a problem for the event to take place.
What is the oath of allegiance to the Constitution?
The oath of the Prince or Princess of Asturias before the Cortes is a solemn act established in Article 61.2 of the Constitution. During the ceremony, Leonor will swear to respect the Constitution, the laws, and the rights of the citizens and the autonomous communities, as well as to show loyalty to the King. This act has historical relevance and is part of the Spanish tradition of presenting the heir to the Crown before the old Estates Courts.
When did Prince Felipe Oath to the constitution?
The oath to the constitution of Felipe, father of Leonor, took place on January 30, 1986, the same day he came of age. The ceremony took place in the Congress of Deputies, with the presence of the then King and Queen of Spain, Sofia, and Juan Carlos I, and the Infantas Elena and Cristina, as well as prominent political personalities.
The swearing-in ceremony of the Princess of Asturias is expected to be a significant moment on her way to becoming the future monarch of Spain. Although the princess has led a relatively discreet life so far, this event will mark her official entry into the public arena and her commitment to the country’s constitutional principles.
The presence of her parents, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and her sister Infanta Sofia will be crucial during the ceremony. In addition to the royal family, important political figures are expected to be present at this momentous event.
The oath of Princess Leonor of Spain will be an event in which the monarchy and the government will symbolically unite, underlining the importance of a harmonious relationship between both institutions for the well-being of the country.