Queen Sofia of Spain was visibly emotional at her latest public appearance, leading to speculation that she may not be invited to her granddaughter Princess Leonor’s swearing-in ceremony at Congress. The 84-year-old queen expressed her heartfelt congratulations to physicist Emilio Lora-Tamayo, with whom she has been friends for years, as he was named honorary rector for life by the Camilo José Cela University in Madrid. During her speech, Queen Sofia became tearful, highlighting the deep bond between her and Emilio. Both of them held hands as they left the event, showing their strong connection.
The news of Queen Sofia’s emotional moment comes amid reports that she will not be attending Princess Leonor’s swearing-in ceremony on October 31. According to sources in the Zarzuela Palace, Queen Sofia will not be present to avoid making any distinctions with her ex-husband, King Juan Carlos I. The former king, who abdicated in favor of his son King Felipe in 2014, is expected to arrive in Spain for just seven hours, which might overshadow the event. While neither Juan Carlos nor Sofia will be attending the public engagements, both are set to join the private family celebrations after the event.
Juan Carlos I, who once held immense respect as one of Spain’s most prominent public figures, has faced numerous scandals that tarnished his reign and forced him to step down. Recently, he won a legal battle against his Danish ex-lover, Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who accused him of harassing and spying on her. However, the court dismissed her claims due to jurisdictional issues. Despite the controversies surrounding her family, Princess Leonor continues to prepare for her role as Spain’s future monarch. She will be sworn in at Congress as she turns 18, pledging her allegiance to the Spanish constitution.
Leonor, who is formally titled Princess of Astorias, is currently undergoing military training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza. The three years of training are vital for her eventual role as Spain’s head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Following the tradition set by her father, King Felipe, Leonor will also attend naval school and complete her training at the General Air Academy. The young princess has expressed her excitement and determination to learn and contribute her best effort during this important period.
If Leonor ascends to the throne, she will become Spain’s first queen regnant since her fourth great-grandmother, Isabella II. Her sister, Princess Sofía, two years her junior, follows her in the line of succession. Despite the political divisions in Spain, the country largely supports Princess Leonor, recognizing her potential as a future leader. As she embarks on her military training and prepares for her future role, it is clear that Leonor is determined to uphold the responsibilities that come with being the head of state.