The overcast sky above Valdesoto in Siero did not dampen the spirits of the royal family, who arrived for a visit to the village honored as the ‘Exemplary Town of Asturias 2025.’ This trip marked the final event in the series of activities for the Princess of Asturias Awards 2025, serving as a warm epilogue after the official ceremony in Oviedo. The town welcomed its distinguished guests in all its splendor: decorated hórreos, the sounds of gaitas, ox-drawn carts, and locals dressed in century-old costumes. For one day, Valdesoto became a living reenactment of the past, where everyone proudly showcased traditional crafts—from basket weaving to the secrets of Asturian cuisine—demonstrating the collective spirit that earned them this esteemed recognition.
For her trip to the countryside, Leonor chose a casual and very modern look, setting herself apart from her usual style. The heir to the throne appeared in a dark blue, loose-fitting denim jumpsuit with a shirt collar, gently cinched at the waist with a matching fabric belt. This practical and trendy wardrobe piece is rarely seen on the princess. She paired it with a vintage brown suede jacket, featuring button fastenings and a belt, which she wore open for a touch of Parisian flair. On her feet were sand-colored suede boots, the Amandi model by the Galician brand LMDI Collection, founded by sisters Carmen and Mercedes Saldivar to support Spanish artisans.
For jewelry, the princess wore familiar gold hoop earrings by the Spanish brand CXC and once again showcased her signature diamond piercing. Her hair was styled in her favorite daytime look—a ponytail—and her makeup was barely noticeable and natural.
Interestingly, both Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía also opted for denim, though in different styles. Sofía wore light jeans with a gray jacket, while the queen chose a dark navy ensemble very similar to her elder daughter’s, which she later complemented with a coat.
The visit to Valdesoto marked the end of a weekend rich in meaning. At the Campoamor Theater, Princess Leonor was the central figure in the most symbolic award ceremony since she began carrying out her official duties. Her speech, structured as a series of letters to the laureates, impressed with its personal tone and direct references to topics such as education, empathy, and respect.
A particularly memorable moment was when she looked at Sofía and spoke warmly about sisterly bonds, calling sisters the best companions in life. This gesture was met with applause and perfectly captured the connection the sisters display in public. The King, in turn, highlighted an important institutional milestone, saying it was time for him to gradually give the heir to the throne a leading role. The previous evening, at the gala concert, Leonor shone in a dark purple jacquard dress from H&M with short sleeves and a flared 1950s-style skirt. Sofía chose a vibrant fuchsia outfit from Miphai, creating an interesting color contrast. Letizia once again entrusted her look to Sybilla, appearing in a black midi dress made of silk gauze with a simple silhouette. The Queen’s restrained and deliberate choice was seen as a reflection of her institutional role. Together, they created a harmonious and cohesive image that showcased their aesthetic evolution: Letizia sets the tone, Leonor asserts her role, and Sofía brings a touch of freshness.
During the village walk, gestures once again spoke volumes. The Queen maintained her usual balance between closeness to the people and protocol, giving Leonor the opportunity to interact with locals and learn about traditional crafts. Sofía behaved naturally, taking an active and interested part in everything, reinforcing her role as a reserved yet engaged participant in the events. Twenty years after Letizia was unable to attend the ceremony due to the imminent birth of her heir, mother and daughters now share leading roles at the same award that once marked the beginning of their family story. Among stone houses and the nostalgic sounds of bagpipes, they concluded several days of great importance for the monarchy.
