Spain’s future Queen and her support squad: Touching moment Princess Leonor glances to her mother Queen Letizia and younger sister for reassurance as she swears loyalty to the constitution on her 18th birthday
- The heir to the Spanish throne celebrates her 18th birthday today
- READ MORE: Princess Leonor looks regal in new photos released ahead of her 18th birthday – as Spain gets gripped by ‘Leonormia’
Princess Leonor proved she holds her family dear as she swore allegiance to the Spanish Constitution to mark her 18th birthday in Madrid.
While carrying out her duty today at the Palacio de las Cortes de la Carrera de San Jerónimo, the future Queen glanced at her mother Queen Letizia and little sister Infanta Sofia for reassurance.
Looking regal in a white suit, she then kissed mother and her father King Felipe, who watched on like proud parents, on the cheek.
Although a flash of nervousness may have been apparent in Leonor’s face, she reiterated her commitment to her duty as heir to the throne, which she noted in a speech last week.
The Princess and future Queen of Spain swore allegiance to the Constitution as part of the Magna Carta Ceremony, carried out by her father 27 years ago, as she marks her 18th birthday
As she appeared on a red carpet on her way into the ceremony to mark her 18th year, Leonor waved to adoring royal fans who had gathered to wish her a happy birthday.
Meanwhile her stylish mother Queen Letizia, 51, looked elegant as ever in a royal blue dress, while Infanta Sofia opted for a floral patterned frock. King Felipe, a proud father, was sharp as always in a perfectly tailored three-piece suit with tails.
The oath taken by Leonor before the Cortes Generales preserve the Magna Carta as the successor of the Head of State.
Spain’s capital is bustling with revellers today, the city where Leonor was born and has spent most of her life.
The Magna Carta ceremony marks 37 years since Leonor’s father, King Felipe, swore the oath on 30 January 1986 in the same Palacio de las Cortes de la Carrera de San Jerónimo.
In addition to Leonor swearing an oath to the Spanish Constitution, the mayor has invited residents to join in on the celebrations.
The ceremony takes place in the Spanish Lower House of Parliament in Madrid, the city where Leonor has spent most of her life
A crowd at Plaza de Puerta del Sol in Madrid gather to watch the Princess and her little sister Infanta Sofia arrive in a Rolls Royce
Queen Letizia beamed as she stood with her family and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
Princess Leonor has sworn allegiance to the Spanish Constitution to mark her 18th birthday in Madrid
Princess Leonor kissed her mother on the cheek and took her arm in a gesture of support after swearing allegiance to the Constitution
Princess Leonor, 18, shook her father’s hand after swearing allegiance to the constitution while her family and the government, including Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, watched on
The Princess looked regal in a white suit while her mother Queen Letizia opted for a royal blue dress
The Spanish royals waved at fans who had gathered outside the Palacio de las Cortes de la Carrera de San Jerónimo
The Princess looked like a queen-in-waiting as she appeared alongside her little sister and her parents at the Palacio de las Cortes de la Carrera de San Jerónimo
Infanta Sofia wore her long tresses down and draped down her shoulder, while choosing a white dress with flowing sleeves
Leonor opted for the white suit, while her hair was pulled back into a slick low ponytail and her make-up was neutral
Leonor had a large audience as the entire Spanish Parliament gathered for the swearing in ceremony
The Princess recently said in a speech at the Princess of Asturias Awards that she is very much aware of her duty
The 18-year-old Princess, who previously said she fully understands her duty, swore allegiance to the Constitution
Queen Letizia opted for a royal blue dress with embellished shoulders and ruched sleeves, cinched at the waist
The future Queen looked regal in a white suit, and kept her make-up minimal and neutral, showcasing her natural beauty
Upon entering the Palacio de las Cortes de la Carrera de San Jerónimo, Princess Leonor waved at royal fans
The King looked like a proud father in a perfectly tailored suit and tails as he waved to royal fans
The King appears to be nursing a hand injury, as he appeared in a wrist brace again
The Spanish royal family and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived at the ceremony
The Spanish royals were led to the Palacio de las Cortes de la Carrera de San Jerónimo by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
As she arrived in the car next to her little sister Infanta Sofia, Princess Leonor waved at the crowds
Royal fans have gathered all over the city of Madrid to celebrate Princess Leonor’s 18th birthday
Volunteers have distributed more than 7,500 Spanish flags across the city for residents to wave in appreciation of Leonor.
Later on in the day, an honour guard of the Municipal Police, chaired by the vice mayor of Madrid, which will include the Cavalry Squadron and the Municipal Police Music Band, will be deployed in the Plaza de la Villa.
José Luis Martínez-Almeida said: ‘As mayor of the capital of Spain, I invite you to actively participate so that Madrid is once again up to par and that this historic ceremony is an eloquent icon of the loyalty and affection that we Madrid residents feel for the Royal Family in general and for Mrs. Leonor in particular on this special day of her life.
‘May our streets and balconies be decorated with the colours of the national flag, “a symbol that unites all Spaniards,” as the King recalled in the recent Flag oath of the Princess of Asturias in Zaragoza.’
Leonor is currently in her first year of a three-year programme of military training at Zaragoza General Military Academy, as she prepares to one day ascend the throne.
She follows in the footsteps of her father King Felipe, who underwent the same training as a young man in preparation for becoming monarch.
In recent months, the young princess has been stepping up in her role as Princess of Asturias, and recently made a powerful speech where she said she is aware of her duty.
The heir to the throne addressed an audience at the Princesa de Asturias Awards in Oviedo, Spain last week, where she assured them she takes her responsibility very seriously.
Speaking to the crowd, with her parents, 16-year-old sister Infanta Sofia and other family members watching on, she said it will be an ‘honour’ to swear in the Spanish Constitution on her 18th birthday.
The queen-in-waiting added: ‘I very well understand and am aware of what my duty is and what my responsibilities entail.’
Elsewhere in her speech, the Spanish princess went on to praise the Princesa de Asturias Award winners, Hola! reports.
In particular, she noted the career achievements of three-time Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep, who was honoured at the ceremony.
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