Leonor’s first major appearance – and these are the 9 other heirs to the European throne

Until now, she was a great unknown to the Spaniards: protected by the royal family and guarded by bodyguards. Until now, little was known about the life of Crown Princess Leonor, which is why she was often called the ‘mysterious’ one.

But from now on there is no more seclusion: yesterday the princess of Borbón and Ortiz turned 18 years old – and when she comes of age, she suddenly finds herself in the spotlight. The anniversary was celebrated twice: In the evening there was a private family party in the Palace of Madrid, followed by a festive ceremony that was even broadcast live on television. In a white trouser suit, Leonor took the oath to the Spanish constitution.

“I swear to exercise my office conscientiously, uphold the constitution and laws, respect the rights of citizens and autonomous communities and remain loyal to the king,” she said. Then there was applause for several minutes. In the afternoon, the eldest of the two daughters also received the collar of the Order of Charles III, the highest Spanish civilian honor, at the Royal Palace.

The whole of Spain was completely in the clouds. During the journey of the royal family from the Royal Palace to the “Congreso de los Diputados”, the streets were full of supporters of the monarchy. People cheered and waved Spanish flags; flags and large photos of the princess hung everywhere in the capital. It appeared on every front page and the Spanish media spoke bluntly of a ‘Leonor euphoria’ gripping the country.

The Spanish monarchy is actually in deep crisis. After the abdication of the scandalous former king Juan Carlos in 2014, everything had to get better, but his successor Felipe VI. Although he is considered a clean man, he is also quite cold and distant. According to the most recent survey from 2021, only 31 percent of Spaniards are still attached to their royal family; almost 40 percent would prefer to abolish the monarchy.

Crown Princess Leonor must now save what can still be saved. At least that was the hope of the royalists. So far she doesn’t stand out as an eccentric. Like? Her mother, Queen Letizia, was hounded by the tabloids for so long after her marriage to Felipe that it was important that her daughters did not suffer the same fate. The private life of Leonor and her younger sister Sofia has been kept strictly secret until now.

From now on, the Crown Princess may represent the royal family at public events. This is intended to make her better known in the country – and to familiarize her with her future role as the first female head of state since 1868. She was prepared for this from an early age, with a strict palace upbringing and a exclusive education in private schools. Now it’s back to the military officer academy, where Leonor started a three-year course in the summer and continues to prepare for her future role as queen.

Current regent: Charles III (74)
Crown Prince: Prince Willem (41)

Current regent: King Philip (63)
Crown Prince: Crown Princess Elisabeth (22)

Current regent: King Willem-Alexander (56)
Crown Prince: Crown Princess Catharina-Amalia (19)

Current regent: Grand Duke Henri (68)
Crown Prince: Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume (41)

Current regent: Queen Margaretha (83)
Crown Prince: Crown Prince Frederik (55)

Current regent: King Carl Gustaf (77)
Crown Prince: Crown Princess Victoria (46)

Current regent: King Harald (86)
Crown Prince: Crown Prince Haakon (50)

Current regent: Prince Albert (65)
Crown Prince: Hereditary Prince Jacques (9)

Current regent: Prince Hans Adam (78)
Crown Prince: Hereditary Prince Alois (55)

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