While Princess Leonor is mastering the intricacies of military aviation at the San Javier academy, her younger sister, Infanta Sofía, is preparing for a completely different future hundreds of kilometers from home. For the upcoming 2025/2026 academic year, her residence will be welcoming Lisbon. Although official classes at Forward College are scheduled to begin at the end of September, new students, including the Spanish infanta, have time to gradually adapt to life in Portugal.
The choice of Lisbon for further education seems symbolic. It was this city that hosted her older sister Leonor’s first solo state visit in July last year. That visit, organized at the invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, emphasized the close friendship between the two neighboring countries. The heir to the throne’s program was extremely busy despite its brevity. There is hope that her sister’s academic year will unfold at a more relaxed pace.
The institution where Infanta Sofía will study political science and international relations is located just a fifteen-minute walk from the famous Praça do Comércio. This spot, considered the grand gateway to the Portuguese capital, is the heart of its social and political life. It’s likely that the younger daughter of King Felipe will find herself more than once on this vast esplanade by the sea or drop into one of the cozy cafés in the Chiado district, where the college is situated.
Forward College is a private university established quite recently, in 2021. It aims to stand out among other institutions with its unique educational model, focusing on practical learning and an individualized approach for each student. Classes are conducted in English, which will be no problem for Sofia, a graduate of UWC Atlantic College in Wales. Lessons are held in small groups of up to 15 people, and the curriculum seamlessly blends theoretical subjects with training in social and digital skills. The choice of this college was likely due to its key advantages: globally recognized degrees, a multicultural environment with students from 33 countries, and an emphasis on developing leadership qualities.
The infanta will live in a residence in the Benfica district, next to one of Lisbon’s largest parks, Monsanto, which offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities—from tennis to hiking. Students are provided with single rooms featuring private bathrooms and good natural lighting, designed in a simple and functional style. The campus includes all necessary amenities: shared kitchens, study rooms, a gym, laundry facilities, and a garden. The infrastructure is organized to ensure students enjoy maximum comfort and safety.
Free time can be devoted to a variety of hobbies. The college supports student initiatives: anyone can propose creating a club based on their interests, whether it’s surfing, literature, or photography, and receive funding for it. In addition, social events are regularly held on campus, such as winter holiday celebrations or charity balls. Of course, Lisbon itself offers countless entertainment options. Just five minutes from the residence is a metro station, providing easy access to the city center and other interesting neighborhoods. If Sofia wants to explore the history of the monarchy, she can visit the Museu do Tesouro Real or the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda. For walks, the trendy Príncipe Real district or such iconic sites as Castelo de São Jorge, Torre de Belém, and the fairytale palaces of Sintra, located just outside the city, are ideal.
