Princess Leonor Awarded Order of the Golden Fleece

The Princess of Asturias, who celebrates her tenth birthday tomorrow, has been awarded the Order of the Golden Fleece by her father, King Felipe VI; the first awarding of this Order of his reign. The honour was approved by the Council of Ministers today.

The Order of the Golden Fleece was found in 1430 by Philip III, Duke of Burgundy to mark his marriage to Isabella of Portugal. In previous centuries, it was traditionally given to the Prince of Asturias, heir to the Spanish throne, upon birth, but later was awarded at older ages (King Felipe was 13 when he received it from his father, King Juan Carlos I).

Princess Leonor (second from right) attends National Day with her family, October 2015

Just three women have been awarded the Order since its inception, and all were honoured during the reign of King Juan Carlos: the then-Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.

The date of the official ceremony in which Princess Leonor will receive the collar of the Order has yet to be announced.

Also confirmed by the Council of Ministers was the Princess’ official standard, which is similar to that of her father’s when he was heir.

Filed under Spain
Tagged Order of the Golden Fleece, Orders, The Princess of Asturias.

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