Princess Leonor of Spain made her first official solo trip abroad on Friday. The Princess of Asturias went to Portugal, a neighboring and friendly country, to experience this new stage in her training as heir to the throne. The daughter of King Felipe had an impeccable day, charming President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who multiplied the gestures of affection towards his guest.
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Portuguese President Fascinated by Spanish Heir's Qualities
Spain's Princess Leonor, 18, made her first solo trip abroad. The Princess of Asturias traveled to Portugal at the invitation of Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The 75-year-old has developed a friendship with King Felipe VI during his eight years at the head of Portugal. The Iberian friendship was celebrated on Friday with this trip, which also symbolizes the sustainability of this friendship through the future of the Spanish monarchy.
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Upon her arrival at Vigo Maduro Military Airport, Princess Leonor was personally received by the President. The Princess of Asturias kissed the President on each cheek, while Rebelo de Sousa shook the Princess's hand for a long time. The President of Portugal acted as a guide for the daughter of the Spanish monarchs throughout her day. After a brief stop at the Jerónimos Monastery on her own, Princess Leonor had already met her host in front of the Belém Palace in Lisbon.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa had booked an official reception in front of Belém Palace, and then literally took his young guest by the hand to take her on a tour of the gardens. The president and the princess talked as they walked through the gardens, and the discussions continued inside, in the presence of the two countries’ foreign ministers, after an official photo session in which both sides demonstrated their complicity.
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Princess of Asturias, Distinguished Order of Christ
If it is still necessary to prove the affection that the Portuguese President has for Princess Leonor, he has reserved the most important gift for the heir to the Spanish throne. The President of the Portuguese Republic presented Princess Leonor with the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ, as a testimony “Eternal friendship” The order belongs to the Kingdom of Spain and the Princess will now be able to wear the red ribbon of the order during her future visits to Portugal. This is the Princess's first foreign honorary decoration.
The Portuguese President knows how to entertain and has planned a lunch in honor of his guest. Princess Leonor perfectly understood the diplomatic and protocol rules required during official trips, and gave a word of thanks at the beginning of the lunch. “Ten years ago, this beloved country was the first destination of my parents as rulers of Spain.”– The princess remembered. “So I can't deny how special it is for me to be here today.” Princess Leonor explained how her parents speak of Portugal with great affection, “From the love they received” During their visit “And how you always made them feel at home.” And that's how I feel today too.
The Portuguese President then delivered a speech alternating between Portuguese and Spanish. The President announced that Leonor was “More than a friend, a sister”recalling the connection between “Grandparents and Grandfathers” Princess of Asturias and Portugal. In the Villa Giralda, in Estoril, Juan Carlos spent part of his childhood and adolescence in exile, before ascending the Spanish throne.
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The first diplomatic mission was accomplished brilliantly.
Princess Leonor's trip was of course a first test for the young woman, and her program included only a one-day visit. The first part of the day was devoted to diplomatic courtesies, an essential part of a trip abroad. When she became Queen of Spain, she encountered the same diplomatic sequence on many occasions. In the afternoon, a visit was on the program, in which Portugal and Spain expressed their desire to demonstrate their common interest in preserving the ocean.
On this visit to Oceanário in Lisbon, Princess Leonor could once again count on the presence of the Portuguese President. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa proved to be an ideal guide, along with the President, CEO and Board Members of Fundación Océano Azul. The Scientific Coordinator of Oceanário, also a member of the Foundation, showed the place around him, with the help of marine biologist and educator Marina Duarte.
Princess Leonor was able to visit this oceanographic museum while discovering the activities and missions of the Fundación Océano Azul. The Foundation presented its activities during round tables and through the screening of video presentations. The discussions during these round tables focused on the defense of the oceans, scientific expeditions and the harmonization of ocean policy frameworks between Spain and Portugal.
Princess Leonor's day in Portugal ended as it began. The young lady was accompanied to Lisbon airport by the President of the Portuguese Republic. The Princess of Asturias was given a warm farewell that took her back to Spain.
