The Princess of Asturias Awards festivities in Oviedo kicked off with the traditional concert. The royal family’s full attendance at the Prince Felipe Auditorium set the tone for the entire evening. Despite arriving in a bit of a hurry just minutes before the start, the monarchs looked stunning and were in excellent spirits. After the musical program, which featured works by Dvořák and Brahms performed by the local philharmonic orchestra, the whole family took to the stage for a group photo with the musicians. It was then that a candid moment unfolded: King Felipe cracked a joke, sparking hearty laughter among the hundred performers on stage.
However, the spotlight that evening was not only on the head of state. The youngest daughter of the monarchs, Infanta Sofía, truly stole the show. She opted for a bold black jumpsuit with a striking open back, a choice that did not go unnoticed by the crowd gathered at the entrance, showering her with compliments. In contrast, the heir to the throne, Princess Leonor, appeared much more reserved. She wore a classic Armani blazer that, according to some observers, might have been more fitting for her grandmother, Queen Sofía. Still, for locals in Asturias, such details hardly matter—the future queen is adored in every style, and her appearances are always met with excitement.
The family showcased their stylish unity by choosing outfits in a black and navy palette. When the crowd called out “beautiful!”, the queen and her daughters responded with reserved waves. Throughout the evening, observers noted a special closeness between Queen Letizia and her younger daughter Sofia. They exchanged smiles and chatted often, while King Felipe and Princess Leonor maintained a more formal and focused demeanor, befitting their status. This concert was no exception to the usual family dynamics.
Despite their swift arrival before the concert, the monarchs more than made up for it with attention afterwards. They lingered after the event, taking time for the hundreds of fans waiting patiently by the barriers. Felipe, Letizia, Leonor, and Sofia personally approached the crowd, shaking hands and exchanging brief remarks. Compliments poured in nonstop. One elderly man expressed his admiration for Queen Letizia, calling her a truly delightful person. Fans frequently shouted to Infanta Sofia about her beauty. Slightly embarrassed but amused, she thanked everyone, instinctively adjusting her jumpsuit neckline. Letizia warmly thanked a woman for her kind words, returning the compliment graciously. Leonor also received plenty of attention, with many noting her charm.
The evening concluded with a private dinner. After mingling with the public, the royal family attended an exclusive event with the award winners. For Princess Leonor, this was her first chance to personally meet the distinguished figures set to be honored at the main ceremony. It is known that the heir is already familiar with the works of writer Eduardo Mendoza, and now she had the opportunity to discuss his books with the author himself, as well as interact with other renowned laureates of this year.
