On October 12, 2025, Madrid became the stage for a highly anticipated event—the parade in honor of Spain’s National Day, which brought back to the public the most complete and symbolic image of the royal family. The main protagonist of the day was undoubtedly Infanta Sofía. Her appearance marked not only a personal milestone, but also an important institutional moment: for the first time, the younger daughter of the monarchs joined the official reception at the Royal Palace, which traditionally follows the military parade.
Sofía flew in from Lisbon specifically for this special day. There she is taking her first steps in academic life, studying political science and international relations at the prestigious Forward College. Her presence alongside her parents and her sister, Princess Leonor, on one of the most significant days for the Spanish nation, was met with particular warmth. For three years, the sisters had not appeared together at this parade. In 2023 and 2024, Sofía could not attend due to her studies in Wales, and before that, in 2021 and 2022, Leonor was absent while studying at UWC Atlantic College. This year finally reunited the king’s daughters, restoring a sense of stability and family unity not seen since before the pandemic.
From early morning, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Sofía’s return is not just her reintegration into public life, but also the beginning of a new phase in her official role. Having come of age in April this year, the Infanta displays a maturity and composure that many recall from her sister’s first steps as heir to the throne. Her debut at the palace reception was a natural next step in this coming of age.
For her appearance, the Infanta chose an elegant and understated outfit. She arrived in a black midi-length cape, adding a touch of classic formality to her look. Underneath, she wore a black shirt dress with fine white polka dots and long, slightly puffed sleeves. This romantic design was completed with black slingback ballet flats. The overall image was perfectly balanced, blending youthful freshness with royal elegance. Moreover, this ensemble was a clear nod to her last appearance at the parade in 2022, when she also opted for a polka-dot dress, but in blue hues. This confirms her affinity for this timeless print, often seen in the wardrobe of her mother, Queen Letizia.
Sofía’s return comes at a pivotal time for both daughters of the monarchs. While Leonor continues her military training at the General Air Academy in San Javier, where she has already been promoted to the rank of ensign, Sofía has fully immersed herself in university life in Lisbon. The first weeks of her studies have been filled not only with academic pursuits but also with integration activities with her classmates—ranging from introductory lectures on politics to surfing and yoga on Caparica beach. Her visit to Madrid on October 12 underscores the idea of continuity that the Royal Household seeks to project: two sisters, educated and devoted to their future roles.
The subsequent reception at the Royal Palace, which was Sofía’s first, marked another step in her integration into official life. Until then, she had only participated in family celebrations, such as Leonor’s 18th birthday or the tenth anniversary of Felipe VI’s proclamation as king. Her presence today before a thousand guests from Spain’s political, cultural, and social circles was seen as a gesture of maturity and responsibility. It is a vivid symbol of the generational shift that is beginning to take tangible shape within the Spanish monarchy.
