Infanta Sofia's News and Events 1, Sep 2023 -

[Duke of Marmalade]

La infanta Sofía se gradúa y solo acudirá Letizia a la celebración: Felipe y Leonor, ausentes por este motivo

A finales del mes de mayo, Sofía cerrará una de las etapas más emocionantes de su vida. Durante un par de años, ha vivido en el internado en el que también...

www.trendencias.com

Letizia will travel to Wales on her own to attend Sofias graduation since Felipe will have to attend the inauguration of the new president of Ecuador and Leonor will be on Board of the Elcano.

 

[Prinsara]

I don’t think Leonor was expected, but that’s sad about Felipe. Was there nobody else who could fill in?

 

[Somebody]

Felipe did those visits as Prince of Asturias and continued to do them after becoming king. So, the only other one that he could send without causing a diplomatic stir is his heir, Leonor, who happens to be unavailable as well. It’s the consequence of cutting off his sisters completely from royal duties I suppose. Had he decided to assign this particular role of attending the inaugurations of presidents in Latin America to one or more other family members from the start of his reign, it would have been different.

 

[Prinsara]

…I’m pretty sure all the countries in Latin America know how very seriously Felipe takes these visits and would not only excuse a one-time absence (especially as Leonor is working hard circling the continent herself) but would not particularly mind if the greatly respected Queen Sofia came.

Especially as Colombia was fully prepared to treat him like a diplomat when he was a literal child.

 

[Somebody]

I agree, if he had that done that from the start but as a 'one-off', I still think the Ecuadorians would feel treated inferiorly to all other Latin-American countries who got 'the real deal'. And it's not that Ecuador is very stable politically at the moment, so I don't think Felipe would want to risk that. See:
Ecuador’s Runoff Presidential Elections on April 13th - Havana Times

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/article303342556.html

Cartels in Ecuador - Democracy under Pressure – DW – 04/04/2025

Long one of the safest countries in South America, Ecuador is at risk of becoming a narco-state. 1,300 people were murdered in the first 50 days of 2025.

www.dw.com

 

[lula]

I don’t think Leonor was expected, but that’s sad about Felipe. Was there nobody else who could fill in?

First, this is social media speculation copied by the press; no serious source has confirmed it. King Felipe can perfectly attend his daughter's graduation.

The King has no constitutional or official obligation to attend the inaugurations of Latin American presidents; it was a duty he was given when he was Crown Prince. When he became King, King Juan Carlos assumed it on occasion, and over the years, when Felipe has been unable to attend for political or scheduling reasons, the Presidents of Congress or the Senate, have attended. Felipe also does not attend the inauguration when the president is re-elected, so if Noboa is elected for a second term, it would not be customary for him to attend either.

 

[Stefan]

Felipe did those visits as Prince of Asturias and continued to do them after becoming king. So, the only other one that he could send without causing a diplomatic stir is his heir, Leonor, who happens to be unavailable as well. It’s the consequence of cutting off his sisters completely from royal duties I suppose. Had he decided to assign this particular role of attending the inaugurations of presidents in Latin America to one or more other family members from the start of his reign, it would have been different.

Wasn't that done by King Juan Carliy the first years after his abdication?

 

[lula]

Zarzuela confirms that "as of today" Infanta Sofía will not receive military training

The youngest daughter of the King and Queen will start university next year, but she is still considering several options.

Zarzuela confirma que «a día de hoy» la Infanta Sofía no recibirá formación militar

La hija menor de los Reyes empezará el próximo curso la Universidad, pero aún contempla varias opciones

www.eldebate.com

 

[kathia_sophia]

That article says the she already applied for several universities, and is waiting for confirmation in other to choose which one she'll go. They didn't specify where, in Spain or abroad. Once the results are out, we'll know where she'll go in September.

 

[Alondra]

I'm glad Sofia doesn't feel pressured to join the military and want to continue her education in university.

She's not Leonor. She has her own path to follow.

 

[An Ard Ri]

From Hello Magazine on Sofia turning 18,Graduation and future plans!
Spanish palace shares update on Infanta Sofia's future

 

[Kinan]

.....Felipe also does not attend the inauguration when the president is re-elected, so if Noboa is elected for a second term, it would not be customary for him to attend either....

It seems Daniel Noboa wins the election. So, I hope Felipe will attend Sofia's graduation.

 

[Kinan]

Felipe also does not attend the inauguration when the president is re-elected, so if Noboa is elected for a second term, it would not be customary for him to attend either.

But Felipe did not attend the first inauguration of Daniel Noboa. So, I think he will attend this time (Poor, Sofia).

Wikipedia says

Noboa was inaugurated as president on 23 November 2023, becoming the country's youngest person to assume the office after winning a popular election. Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro, was the only foreign head of state to attend his inauguration.

 

[Luc122]

Some news regarding the decision, at these times it is clear that the Crown weighs heavy- not a duty for the faint of heart

King Felipe Makes a Decision That Could Break His Relationship with Infanta Sofía

 

[lula]

Some news regarding the decision, at these times it is clear that the Crown weighs heavy- not a duty for the faint of heart

King Felipe Makes a Decision That Could Break His Relationship with Infanta Sofía

That page isn't serious and spreads hoaxes. Neither the Royal House nor any serious media has officially released this information; it's pure speculation. So, until there's any information, there is no need to spread lies.

Journalist Maria Ángeles Alcázar, who has been covering the Royal Hpuse for decades and attends official events and trips, published this a few days ago.

La Zarzuela confirma que la infanta Sofía no hará estudios militares

La infanta Sofía no tiene previsto cursar estudios militares, una posibilidad que erróneamente han divulgado algunos medios de comunicación. Este martes, la Zarzuela,

www.lavanguardia.com

The King and Queen, as they did with Princess Leonor, will attend the graduation party, which will take place at the boarding school in Wales the last week of May.

 

[iceflower]

A lovely set of photos has been released ahead of Infanta Sofia's birthday tomorrow:


** rex gallery ** lusa gallery ** ppe gallery **

Casa Real comparte 5 fotos inéditas de la infanta Sofía por su 18 cumpleaños

La hija menor de los Reyes posa en un reportaje con una imagen más madura, pero sin perder la sonrisa

www.hola.com

 

[Prinsara]

Ah, she too has grown up a bit. (Or just changed the hair a little, I kid.)

 

[Somebody]

She looks more like (the old) Leonor in these pictures.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

It seems Portugal broke protocol and ignored the embargo for these pictures, only to be published tomorrow. In Spain, anything will be overshadowed by the power loss anyway.

I think Sofia doesnt look like Leonor at all, completely different type.

 

[Prinsara]

She looks more like her sister when her hair isn’t stick-straight (which makes it darker), but otherwise the resemblance is only at certain angles.

She does honestly look a bit more grown-up, seemingly all of a sudden.

They are nice pictures.

 

[Alisa]

Nice photos!

 

[Blog Real]

The Spanish Royal Household has released the official photos of Infanta Sofia's 18th birthday.

InicioActividades y Agenda - 18º aniversario de Su Alteza Real la Infanta Doña Sofía

Detalle Actividad - 18º aniversario de Su Alteza Real la Infanta Doña Sofía

www.casareal.es

Casa de Su Majestad el Rey on Instagram: "Imágenes de S.A.R. la Infanta Sofía, que hoy alcanza la mayoría de edad. #InfantaSofía #CasaReal #18años #Cumpleaños"

3,512 likes, 74 comments - casareal.es on April 29, 2025: "Imágenes de S.A.R. la Infanta Sofía, que hoy alcanza la mayoría de edad. #InfantaSofía #CasaReal #18años #Cumpleaños".

www.instagram.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1917144880150675870

 

[An Ard Ri]

The new photos are really lovely and I wonder if they were taken over the Easter holidays at Zarzuela?

 

[Kinan]

Infanta Cristina received Grand Cross of Order of Isabella the Catholic on her 18th birthday. See this.

Will Infanta Sofia get the same? But if that so, I don't think it will be today. It would be "tone deaf" regarding yesterday's power blackout.

 

[Stefan]

Infanta Cristina received Grand Cross of Order of Isabella the Catholic on her 18th birthday. See this.

Will Infanta Sofia get the same? But if that so, I don't think it will be today. It would be "tone deaf" regarding yesterday's power blackout.

I guess she will get the Order of Carlos III. But do you really think the power blackdeal from yesterday will hinder an announcement about it. Has nothing to with it.

 

[AnaC]

The new photos are really lovely and I wonder if they were taken over the Easter holidays at Zarzuela?

Yes, according to the royal correspondants the photos were taken during the Easter holidays in Zarzuela while she was preparing her final exams.

 

[PrincessofEurope]

Can't see them announcing her receiving an order - doesn't seem to be their style.

Nice pictures - typical informal style they favour. Certainly no gala pics like we got in Denmark

 

[An Ard Ri]

Can't see them announcing her receiving an order - doesn't seem to be their style.

Nice pictures - typical informal style they favour. Certainly no gala pics like we got in Denmark

The Spanish Royal Family are ultra low key.
The new photos release and hopefully a slice of birthday cake for Sofia too!

 

[lula]

Infanta Sofía is in Wales in the middle of her exams, so she'll celebrate with her classmates and will have to wait until she returns to Spain to have a birthday party.

If her order had been planned to be announced today, the Royal House would have likely decided to postpone it because it has to be approved by the Council of Ministers, which today had to focus on the power outage, and it wasn't a day for festive announcements. Queen Sofia's Golden Fleece was signed for her birthday, but was postponed by the DANA and it wasn't officially published until January.

 

[kathia_sophia]

Can't see them announcing her receiving an order - doesn't seem to be their style.

Nice pictures - typical informal style they favour. Certainly no gala pics like we got in Denmark

Its a pity that we don't get gala pictures for 18th birthdays in Spain. We didn't even have for Leonor, who is the heir.

Sofia looks very mature and beautiful on those pictures. I hope she has a great birthday party with her classmates in Wales.