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.

 

[Blog Real]

On Saturday, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will be at UWC Atlantic College in Wales (United Kingdom) for the Infanta Sofía's International Baccalaureate graduation ceremony, according to ¡HOLA!.

La gran semana de la reina Letizia pese a una cancelación de última hora: periodismo, aniversario y graduación

Este martes por la tarde, los Reyes acuden a la entrega de premios de la Asociación de la Prensa de Madrid, el jueves celebrarán 21 años casados y el sábado estarán en Gales en la ceremonia de final de bachillerato de la infanta Sofía

www.hola.com

 

[Blog Real]

The Royal House confirms, that the King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will travel to Wales on Saturday to attend Infanta Sofía's graduation from UWC Atlantic College.

Zarzuela Palace will share images of the event, as it did with Princess Leonor, in May 2023.

The ceremony can be followed on the UWC Atlantic College YouTube channel.

Comunicado de Casa Real sobre la graduación de la infanta Sofía: de los detalles del acto a los asistentes

Zarzuela ha enviado un comunicado a los medios en los que se pronuncia sobre la inminente graduación de la infanta Sofía del UWC Atlantic College

www.lecturas.com

La infanta Sofía espera a los Reyes en Gales para su inminente graduación

Este sábado la hija menor de don Felipe y doña Letizia finaliza bachillerato internacional

www.hola.com

 

[iceflower]

Lovely graduation photos of today, May 24!


** casareal **

https://twitter.com/x/status/1926272487660179609

https://twitter.com/x/status/1926275570716770589

 

[Blog Real]

More photos from Infanta Sofía's graduation:

https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2025-05-24/infanta-sofia-look-graduacion-bachillerato_4136413/

https://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2025-05-24/look-reciclado-letizia-graduacion-sofia-traje-zara-rpjo_4136524/

La emoción de los Reyes y un vacío imposible de llenar, la graduación de la infanta Sofía

La hija pequeña de don Felipe y doña Letizia ha completado el Bachillerato Internacional en el UWC Atlantic College, el mismo lugar en el que estudió la princesa de Asturias, que ha sido la gran ausente del día

www.hola.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1926277102111760579

Casa de Su Majestad el Rey on Instagram: "La Infanta Sofía se ha graduado hoy de sus estudios de Bachillerato Internacional en el UWC Atlantic College (Gales, Reino Unido) 🎓🙌🏻 A la ceremonia de graduación han acudido los Reyes junto al resto de fami

15K likes, 210 comments - casareal.es on May 24, 2025: "La Infanta Sofía se ha graduado hoy de sus estudios de Bachillerato Internacional en el UWC Atlantic College (Gales, Reino Unido) 🎓🙌🏻 A la ceremonia de graduación han acudido los Reyes junto al resto de familiares de los graduados y...

www.instagram.com

Leonor's message to Infanta Sofía!

Casa de Su Majestad el Rey on Instagram: "Felicitación de la Princesa de Asturias a la Infanta Sofía con motivo de su graduación de Bachillerato Internacional en el UWC Atlantic College de Gales (Reino Unido). #PrincesaDeAsturias #InfantaSofía #Casa

1,554 likes, 38 comments - casareal.es on May 24, 2025: "Felicitación de la Princesa de Asturias a la Infanta Sofía con motivo de su graduación de Bachillerato Internacional en el UWC Atlantic College de Gales (Reino Unido). #PrincesaDeAsturias #InfantaSofía #CasaReal #Graduación...

www.instagram.com

The Royal Household shared photos of some moments in the life and education of Infanta Sofía on the occasion of her graduation from the International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College, in Wales (United Kingdom).

Casa de Su Majestad el Rey on Instagram: "Fotografías de algunos momentos de la vida y la formación de S.A.R la Infanta Sofía con motivo de su graduación de Bachillerato Internacional en el UWC Atlantic College de Gales (Reino Unido). #ReyFelipeVI #

2,964 likes, 26 comments - casareal.es on May 24, 2025: "Fotografías de algunos momentos de la vida y la formación de S.A.R la Infanta Sofía con motivo de su graduación de Bachillerato Internacional en el UWC Atlantic College de Gales (Reino Unido). #ReyFelipeVI #ReinaLetizia...

www.instagram.com

 

[lula]

The Infanta's tutor emphasized that "Sofia's journey has been marked by her perseverance and remarkable personal growth, and she has gone from being a naturally empathetic and affectionate listener to a proven 'supportive companion.' A true friend in difficult times, we will sorely miss Sofia's warmth and vibrant spirit."

La tutora de la Infanta Sofía, en su graduación en Gales: «Echaremos mucho de menos su calidez y espíritu vibrante»

El director del UWC Atlantic anima a su promoción y ante los Reyes a que contribuyan «a un mundo más compasivo y justo»

www.abc.es

Video with many new images of Leonor and Sofia from their childhood

Spanish Royal Family on Instagram: "«Estoy muy orgullosa de ti» No, ¡hoy de verdad han decidido hacernos llorar! 🥹 Han publicado el vídeo-sorpresa que Leonor le ha enviado a Sofía por su graduación y cumpleaños… 😍 Hoy Sofía brilla en todos los sent

484 likes, 13 comments - spain_royal on May 24, 2025: "«Estoy muy orgullosa de ti» No, ¡hoy de verdad han decidido hacernos llorar! 🥹 Han publicado el vídeo-sorpresa que Leonor le ha enviado a Sofía por su graduación y cumpleaños… 😍 Hoy Sofía brilla en todos los sentidos ✨ Sofía, eres la reina...

www.instagram.com

Leonor and Sofía on Instagram: "With these pictures, I don't see royals, I see two beautiful sisters who share a bond deeper than titles. 🤍🥹 Photos/📸: Thank you, @casareal.es 😭"

165 likes, 2 comments - hermanas.borbonyortiz on May 24, 2025: "With these pictures, I don't see royals, I see two beautiful sisters who share a bond deeper than titles. 🤍🥹 Photos/📸: Thank you, @casareal.es 😭".

www.instagram.com

 

[Mbruno]

On Saturday, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will be at UWC Atlantic College in Wales (United Kingdom) for the Infanta Sofía's International Baccalaureate graduation ceremony, according to ¡HOLA!.

La gran semana de la reina Letizia pese a una cancelación de última hora: periodismo, aniversario y graduación

Este martes por la tarde, los Reyes acuden a la entrega de premios de la Asociación de la Prensa de Madrid, el jueves celebrarán 21 años casados y el sábado estarán en Gales en la ceremonia de final de bachillerato de la infanta Sofía

www.hola.com

As mentioned when Leonor left UWC, there is no "graduation" from secondary school in the United Kingdom. One only graduates in the UK from university.

The ceremony held at UWC therefore is not a graduation, but rather a symbolic "farewell" ceremony only. No diploma is handed out either to to the outgoing students (or, I guess, "pupils" in British English).

 

[Somebody]

They don't have their exam results either. They'll only get those early July.

 

[Duke of Marmalade]

Well done!
I assume we will not hear what university Sofia will chose until after she'll get her results.

 

[An Ard Ri]

Congratulations to Infanta Sofia on her Graduation ,her parents must be so proud!
PPE Agency

 

[Alisa]

Infanta Sofía 2025:

"Your journey has been marked by determination and personal growth. Evolving from a naturally empathetic and affectionate listener to a trained peer listener. A true friend in times of need. Sofia's warmth and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed."

Leonor in 2023:

" Your love of meaningful conversations knows no bounds. Your unwavering passion for learning, understanding people, and exploring diverse perspectives has truly enriched your UWC experience. We will miss your humor!"



Both young women certainly developed excellent qualities that will serve them well both now and the future.