July 12 is a memorable date in the history of the Spanish monarchy. Princess Leonor of Asturias makes her first official trip abroad alone, without her parents. The heir to the Spanish throne has chosen the neighboring country of Portugal to highlight the friendly relations between the two Iberian countries.
Read also: Princess Leonor shares story in Catalan at Princess of Girona Awards
Princess of Asturias makes her first official solo trip
Princess Leonor, 18, is having a busy week. Since the end of her first year of military training, on July 3, 2024, Princess Leonor has been carrying out official engagements, with or without her parents. Since Tuesday, the heir to the throne has taken part in several events linked to the Princess of Girona Foundation. On Friday, July 12, 2024, the eldest daughter of the Spanish monarchs will have another big meeting: her first official trip abroad.
Read also: Princess Leonor receives first rank and receives the Grand Cross of the Order of Military Merit
At the end of the morning, Princess Leonor departed Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport with military honors, to the sounds of the Spanish national anthem. For her first trip abroad, the heir to the Spanish throne has chosen to visit the neighboring country of Portugal. Princess Leonor will be accompanied during her trip by the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares. Princess Leonor wore a red Caroline Herrera ensemble.
Read also: Princess Leonor accompanies King Felipe VI to NCO Academy graduation ceremony
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa receives the heir to the Spanish throne in Lisbon
When he arrived at Vigo Maduro military airport, it was the Portuguese president himself, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who was waiting for him as the plane left. The Princess of Asturias kissed him on both cheeks, while the president shook his hand for a long time as he was welcomed to his country. King Felipe VI and the Portuguese president have forged a friendship over the years. In 2021, a photo was shared showing the two heads of state sharing a coffee on a balcony, in complete tranquility in Madrid.
Read also: Seven new photos of King Felipe VI at work throughout his 10-year reign
The programme of this visit, which was made at the express invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, “We will focus particularly on protecting the environment and preserving the oceans.”, The royal house explainsThese are the priority issues for Portugal and Spain. Princess Leonor will be able to count on the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs to guide her during the various institutional meetings.
In the program, Princess Leonor will pay her respects at the tomb of the poet Luís Camões, and will visit the Jerónimos Monastery, before being officially welcomed at the Belém Palace. She will also be awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ, before having lunch with the President.
