On July 12, 2024, Princess Leonor, Queen of Spain, will make her first official trip abroad without her parents. In this first solo engagement, the Princess of Asturias responded positively to the invitation of the President of the neighboring country, Portugal. The Portuguese President decided to honor his guest who honored him with this historic visit. The future Queen of Spain was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ.
Read also: Princess Leonor makes her first official solo trip abroad: Welcomed with honours by the Portuguese President
Princess of Asturias receives award from President Rebelo de Sousa
Princess Leonor of Spain wasted no time in making her first official trip abroad. Last October, the heir to the Spanish throne passed the 18-year mark, a majority that comes with privileges when you become the future monarch. Since her birthday, Princess Leonor has mainly been completing the first year of her three-year military training. Now on a month-long leave of absence until the next academic year at the Naval Academy, the Princess of Asturias has chosen to fill her schedule with official engagements.
Read also: Princess Leonor receives first rank and receives the Grand Cross of the Order of Military Merit
In recent days, Princess Leonor has held several engagements linked to the presentation of the Princess of Girona Foundation Awards. On Friday, July 12, she responded to the invitation of the Portuguese President who wanted to welcome her to his country on her first official solo trip. Princess Leonor arrived at Vigo Maduro Military Airport late in the morning and was greeted by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa as soon as she got off the plane.
After the military welcome on the runway, Princess Leonor headed to the Jerónimos Monastery to pray at the tomb of Luís Camões. After a short visit to the monastery, the President was waiting for Princess Leonor at the Belém Palace.
Read also: Princess Leonor accompanies King Felipe VI to NCO Academy graduation ceremony
Princess Leonor was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ.
The Portuguese President received – for the second time – the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, this time in front of the Belém Palace in Lisbon. Once the protocol was over, the President and the Princess entered the Palace. After a short meeting, Princess Leonor signed the Book of Honor, and then the President conducted an investiture ceremony. President Rebelo de Sousa presented Princess Leonor with the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ.
Read also: Seven new photos of King Felipe VI at work throughout his 10-year reign
The Order of Christ is one of the oldest honorary orders in the world. It was created by papal bull of John XXII in 1319. The order was created after the monarchy of the Order of the Templars was delegated, following the condemnation of the Knights Templar in 1312. Little by little, the Order of Christ became secular. From a knighthood, it became an honorary order during the last centuries of the Portuguese monarchy. Upon the founding of the Republic in 1910, the order was abolished, then re-established in 1917. The Portuguese President is now Grand Master of the Order.
The Order of Christ has the Latin motto In Hook Signo Vince (By this verse you shall prevail.) The red ribbon of the order is worn as a sash from right to left with the badge suspended at the bow. The badge is a Latin cross in red enamel and gold trim, with another Latin cross in white enamel inside. The plaque worn by members of the rank of Grand Cross and Grand Officer uses the same crossed pate surrounded by laurel leaves. The Grand Cross is the second highest rank, immediately after the Grand Collar.
