The younger daughter of King Felipe and Queen Letizia took advantage of a study break in Lisbon to meet up with friends in the capital—just like any other 18-year-old girl. While recent official engagements, such as the Spanish National Day parade and the Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony, have highlighted her formal side, this brief return home offered a glimpse of Infanta Sofía in a completely different, more natural and relaxed light. The monarchs’ youngest daughter was spotted enjoying time in Madrid with friends, sharing laughs, catching up on news, and exchanging warm hugs.
The reason for her visit was the so-called ‘reading week’—a traditional mid-semester break at European universities, observed at her school, Forward College, from October 26 to November 3. This period is meant for students to prepare independently, work with academic literature, and catch up on coursework before exams. However, many use this time to rest and travel home. That’s exactly what the infanta chose to do, having started her three-year degree in political science and international relations in September. After completing her International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, her studies will now take her to Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin.
The cameras caught the Infanta during a stroll through the streets of Madrid with close friends, with whom she has likely kept in touch since her days at Santa María de los Rosales school. These rare shots reveal her informal side, offering a moment of relaxation before her first major university exams. For this autumn outing, Princess Leonor’s sister opted for a casual look that was a striking departure from her official attire. She wore gray jeans, a blue sweater, and a beige scarf with red polka dots, shielding her from the chill. The outfit resembled the style she showed during her recent visit to the Asturian village of Valdesoto, perfectly fitting the trends of the new royal minimalism.
While meeting with friends, Sofía chatted animatedly and shared secrets. A touching moment drew special attention when, speaking on the phone, she wrapped one of her friends in a long, warm hug. The evening ended in a relaxed setting—the group went out to dinner at a Japanese restaurant.
Infanta Sofía made the most of her short visit to Spain. In addition to meeting friends, her stay coincided with two important family dates. On October 31, her sister, Princess Leonor, celebrated her 20th birthday, and on November 2, their grandmother, Queen Sofía, marked her 87th. After the family celebration, the Queen Mother experienced a touching moment at the Royal Theatre in Madrid, where, during the BMW Painting Awards ceremony, the entire audience stood to sing her ‘Happy Birthday.’
Infanta Sofía has now returned to Lisbon to continue her studies. Her next visit to Spain is expected during the Christmas holidays, which will last from December 18 to January 12. The Royal Household has already published several official photos offering a glimpse into her new student life in the Portuguese capital, showing her both on the city streets and in class with her fellow students.
