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

[Stefan]

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.

But then we did get none from the Netherlands and from Belgium too. The only monarchies in Europe who are doing that are Norway and Denmark

 

[Somebody]

I don't recall gala pictures of prince Sverre Magnus either (just a lunch); so Denmark is indeed the exception where the younger siblings of the future monarch are celebrated so elaborately, including gala pictures.

 

[Alisa]

Prince Sverre Magnus does not even carry the style of royal highness. I don't think anyone expected anything special for his birthday. Isabella has always been celebrated, loved, and special. After all, she was the first female royal born in the royal house in over 60 years.

 

[Blog Real]

But Denmark has always had big celebrations for its members' birthdays.
When Prince Joachim turned 18, they also celebrated with a dinner and official photos.
I'm curious to see how they'll celebrate the twins' 18th birthday in a few years.

But there you have it, every royal house has its own traditions. Spain has always been discreet in celebrating the birthdays of members of the Royal Family. Felipe and Leonor's 18th birthday was the exception.

 

[doro]

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.

I entered on BOE from today. No decree published yet. Probably will appear tomorrow

 

[Somebody]

But Denmark has always had big celebrations for its members' birthdays.
When Prince Joachim turned 18, they also celebrated with a dinner and official photos.
I'm curious to see how they'll celebrate the twins' 18th birthday in a few years.

But there you have it, every royal house has its own traditions. Spain has always been discreet in celebrating the birthdays of members of the Royal Family. Felipe and Leonor's 18th birthday was the exception.

Exactly, let's not expect all other royal houses to follow the Danish tradition (which is the exception rather than the rule). To each their own.

 

[lula]

The Council of Ministers has approved the awarding of the Order of Isabel la Catolica to Infanta Sofía on the occasion of her 18th birthday.

La infanta Sofía recibe la Gran Cruz de la Orden de Isabel la Católica

La infanta Sofía ha recibido la Gran Cruz de la Orden de Isabel la Católica, una condecoración que ha...

www.europapress.es

 

[Stefan]

The Council of Ministers has approved the awarding of the Order of Isabel la Catolica to Infanta Sofía on the occasion of her 18th birthday.

La infanta Sofía recibe la Gran Cruz de la Orden de Isabel la Católica

La infanta Sofía ha recibido la Gran Cruz de la Orden de Isabel la Católica, una condecoración que ha...

www.europapress.es

So not the Order of Carlos III.

 

[lula]

So not the Order of Carlos III.

No, they start with the Order of Isabel la Catolica like with her aunts, but back then the Order of Carlos III didn't accept women... I don't know if they want to have the possibility of granting her another decoration in the future, or if it's a matter of this Government, which is very "particular".

Queen Letizia still holds the Grand Cross of the Order of Carlos III, even though her mother-in-law held the collar, and now even the Golden Fleece. Not for her 50th birthday, not for her 20th wedding anniversary, nor for her 10 years as Queen.

 

[Blog Real]

The Council of Ministers has approved the awarding of the Order of Isabel la Catolica to Infanta Sofía on the occasion of her 18th birthday.

La infanta Sofía recibe la Gran Cruz de la Orden de Isabel la Católica

La infanta Sofía ha recibido la Gran Cruz de la Orden de Isabel la Católica, una condecoración que ha...

www.europapress.es

That's good news. This was also the first order bestowed upon Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina.

 

[doro]

No, they start with the Order of Isabel la Catolica like with her aunts, but back then the Order of Carlos III didn't accept women... I don't know if they want to have the possibility of granting her another decoration in the future, or if it's a matter of this Government, which is very "particular".

Elena and Cristina were awarded with the Order of Carlos III in 1988. Why?

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

No, they start with the Order of Isabel la Catolica like with her aunts, but back then the Order of Carlos III didn't accept women... I don't know if they want to have the possibility of granting her another decoration in the future, or if it's a matter of this Government, which is very "particular".

Queen Letizia still holds the Grand Cross of the Order of Carlos III, even though her mother-in-law held the collar, and now even the Golden Fleece. Not for her 50th birthday, not for her 20th wedding anniversary, nor for her 10 years as Queen.

Sofia got the collar in 1983, 8 years into her Queenship. Felipe has now in charge for 10 years, I wonder about his reluctance. Letizia might not be into those orders but it should not about personal preferences but recognition for service. Letizia should have stepped up after 10 years at least, same as the Golden Fleece for Sofia in 2024 was 10 years delayed (given the circumstances but overdue in 2024).

 

[lula]

Royal Decree 358/2025, of April 30, granting the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabel la Catolica to Her Royal Highness Infanta Sofía de Borbón y Ortiz.

https://boe.es/boe/dias/2025/05/01/pdfs/BOE-A-2025-8710.pdf

 

[An Ard Ri]

It was anticipated that Sofia would receive the Order of Isabel la Catolica following the tradition with her aunts.

 

[doro]

It was anticipated that Sofia would receive the Order of Isabel la Catolica following the tradition with her aunts.

I was expecting Sofia would receive the Order of Carlos III instead

 

[An Ard Ri]

I was expecting Sofia would receive the Order of Carlos III instead

Both of her aunts had the Order of Isabel la Catholic awarded firstly and then the Order of Charles III afterwards.

 

[Alondra]

Sofia looks great. Big smile in everyday clothing without any jewellery. She's a royal but very much a part of the generation Z making personal choices like not having her ears pierced yet.

 

[Kinan]

Casa Real agenda for next week has been released. No agenda for 24 May. I think both the King and Queen will attend the graduation of Infanta Sofia on 24 May.

For context, some medias said that Felipe will attend the inauguration of the new president of Ecuador on 24 May, so that he can't go to his daughter's graduation. But it seems like they are wrong.

InicioActividades y Agenda - Agenda Prevista

Agenda Prevista

www.casareal.es

 

[An Ard Ri]

Its such a milstone event for Sofia and hopefully both Felipe and Letizia can attend.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

Casa Real agenda for next week has been released. No agenda for 24 May. I think both the King and Queen will attend the graduation of Infanta Sofia on 24 May.

For context, some medias said that Felipe will attend the inauguration of the new president of Ecuador on 24 May, so that he can't go to his daughter's graduation. But it seems like they are wrong.

InicioActividades y Agenda - Agenda Prevista

Agenda Prevista

www.casareal.es

It has been said that Felipe will not travel to Ecuador but in any case, the agenda only confirms until next Friday and everything beyond, we'll have to wait until next Friday.