Another Pivotal October for Princess Leonor: Uncertainties in Her Schedule, from a Possible Meeting with King Juan Carlos to the Hispanic Day Parade

October once again presents a crucial month for Princess Leonor, as she faces a series of important engagements that will mark her development as heir to the throne. Among these events, two stand out: the Hispanic Day military parade and the highly anticipated Princess of Asturias Awards later in the month.

By October 31st, when Leonor will celebrate her 19th birthday, she will have already completed some of the most demanding moments on her schedule and will likely be looking forward to a quiet, uneventful celebration. Unlike last year, when her coming of age involved swearing the Constitution, the challenges of 2024 are different but equally important for her growth as future queen.

One of the most intriguing topics is the possible meeting between Leonor and her grandfather, King Emeritus Juan Carlos. Opportunities for the two to meet have been scarce in recent years, though the former king has expressed his desire to spend more time with his granddaughter. This October might offer the perfect opportunity, as circumstances appear to align. Since the beginning of the month, Juan Carlos has been in Sanxenxo, Galicia, competing in the IX Regata Rey Juan Carlos I-El Corte Inglés Máster and the 6 Metre European Championship. For the first time, he plans to spend two full weeks in Spain, putting him just twenty minutes away by car from the Naval Military Academy in Marín, where Leonor continues her military training. Although the situation seems favorable for a meeting, recent developments, such as the publication of Juan Carlos’ memoirs and the release of controversial photos in a Dutch magazine, might have complicated this long-awaited reunion. For now, there is no confirmation whether the meeting will take place before Juan Carlos returns to Abu Dhabi on October 6th.

Another point of interest in the princess’s agenda is her participation in the Hispanic Day parade. While it is expected that she will preside over the event alongside her parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, there is also the possibility that Leonor could actively take part in the military parade, which would be a significant milestone in her journey. This decision may not be revealed until the last minute, possibly as late as October 12th, the day of the event. If she does participate in the parade, it would be a historic moment, as her father, King Felipe, did not do so during his time as heir, making his debut in a military parade in 1986 at the age of 18.

Shortly after Hispanic Day, Leonor will swap her military uniform for a more elegant look at the Princess of Asturias Awards, which will take place in Oviedo on October 24th and 25th. This will be a particularly important moment as it is the first time she will attend the ceremony as an adult, prompting adjustments in the organization that place her at the center of attention, even more so than her parents. On October 24th, Leonor will receive the Asturias Medal, another highlight in her young career.

Moreover, to celebrate her tenth anniversary as honorary president of the Princess of Asturias Foundation, the activities surrounding the awards have been expanded, including a new annual cultural program for schools, possibly inspired by a similar initiative from the Princess of Girona Foundation. In total, 15 events will take place between October 12th and 26th, with Leonor participating in several of them.

The gala at the Campoamor Theater, where the awards will be presented, raises expectations about the role Leonor will play. Until now, it has been King Felipe who delivered the closing speech at the ceremony. However, with Leonor having reached adulthood, there is speculation that she might be the one to give the speech this year. Additionally, there is a possibility that she may preside over the gala alone, which would be a major step in her public evolution. However, should this happen, it could mean the loss of one of the few occasions where we see the entire Spanish royal family together, as the Princess of Asturias Awards is one of the rare events where King Felipe and Queen Letizia, their daughters Leonor and Sofía, and Queen Emeritus Sofía all gather.

In short, this October presents significant challenges and opportunities for Princess Leonor. Her potential role in the Hispanic Day parade, her prominence at the Princess of Asturias Awards, and the possibility of a meeting with her grandfather, King Emeritus Juan Carlos, all form part of a busy schedule filled with decisive moments that underscore her growing importance as heir. These events not only highlight her personal development but also offer a glimpse into the future of the Spanish monarchy.

To see more articles related to this topic, follow this link.