The symbolic date of October 12, National Day, has been chosen to mark a new chapter in the official lives of the royal sisters. Now that both Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía have come of age, their joint public appearances take on a completely new significance. Although the public is accustomed to seeing them together at events such as the Princess of Asturias or Princess of Girona Awards, this occasion carries special meaning, signaling a deeper integration of the younger sister into the formal duties of the Crown.
For several years, the traditional family portrait of King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and their daughters on this day had been incomplete. At first, Leonor’s studies in Wales caused her absence, and later Sofía followed the same path, missing the October 12 celebrations. However, this year, the youngest daughter of the Bourbon Ortiz family, now a university student, will not only be present but will also take part for the first time in the lengthy reception at the Royal Palace. She will have to endure a marathon of handshakes with around one thousand guests, a stark contrast to her “rehearsal” last summer at the Marivent reception, where the number of invitees was much smaller.
It is known that the youngest daughter of the King and Queen is still getting used to the close public attention. Her natural expressiveness sometimes betrays her, as happened in Palma de Mallorca, when photographers caught her wandering gaze during an official moment. Despite this, her parents have made their intentions clear: Infanta Sofía is destined to play a significant role in the activities of the Royal Household. Her future is linked to becoming an active, engaged member of the monarchy with her own set of responsibilities. It is expected that her participation in official events will increase, although for now she will not represent the Crown alone.
On National Day, the visual hierarchy within the family will be more evident than ever. King Felipe and Princess Leonor, both in military uniform, will serve as the main figures of the monarchy. During this time, Queen Letizia will be by Sofía’s side, supporting her throughout the event. This arrangement clearly delineates the roles: the head of state and his heir, as well as their support system. Sofía will be surrounded by family care, but it is likely her mother will remain her constant guide in the intricacies of protocol.
This debut also adds extra pressure for the Infanta, especially regarding style choices. Since Princess Leonor will appear in her Air Force Academy uniform, all eyes of fashion critics will be on Queen Letizia and her younger daughter. Sofía’s look for Spain’s National Day could become one of the most talked-about of the year, placing her in the spotlight.
Sofía’s October schedule doesn’t end there. Shortly after the national holiday, she will join her family for the annual Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony—an event where she usually appears more relaxed. The royal visit to the principality will begin on October 23 and will include the traditional opening concert, receptions for the award winners, and the main ceremony at Campoamor Theater in Oviedo. The week will wrap up with a visit to this year’s “Exemplary Town,” Valdesoto, offering another chance to see the family interacting in a slightly less formal setting.
