Leonor and Sofia of Spain, the first solo engagement abroad, in the footsteps of mother Letizia

On the stands of the Brentford Community Stadium, where the meeting of the women’s European Championships between Spain and Denmark was held, there were also Leonor and Sofia of Spain. Cheering composed for the princesses, who after the match also visited the players in the locker room, where the victory was celebrated between smiles, hugs and group shots, which earned the Iberian national team the passage to the quarter-finals.

For the heir to the throne and the infanta, respectively 16 and 15 years old, it was the first public engagement abroad without parents Felipe VI and Letizia Ortiz. And, of course, a very exciting commitment, considering that the girls of coach Jorge Vilda won 1-0 at the stroke of the ninetieth.

The two princesses lately they see each other very often. Since Leonor returned from Wales for the summer holidays (she chose UWC Atlantic College to finish her high school, ed) the two sisters first attended a theatrical performance in Madrid in the company of their parents, and then, always with them, attended the Premios Princesa de Girona. On that occasion, the Spanish press had sifted through Leonor’s new style, inevitably more adult, but always perfectly suited to her age. The lessons of mother Letizia, after all, would seem to have been well received by both daughters, who now follow their own inclinations in terms of looks.

Next exit? Nothing is planned yet, but it is certain that within a couple of weeks the family will leave for Mallorca for the summer holidays. A tradition that has always been respected at Casa Borbone, albeit in recent years the great family reunions of the past have failed.

King emeritus Juan Carlos lives permanently in the United Arab Emirates, far from his wife Sofia, his daughters Elena and Cristina lead more secluded lives after family scandals and their respective divorces. At Palazzo Marivent, by now, only Felipe and Letizia can be seen, who every year give themselves to photographers to show how much those who until a handful of years ago were girls and who already have the eyes of Spain on them have grown up. They already know how to skillfully juggle in the midst of so much attention: they greet, shake hands, smile calmly.

After all, the monarchy is also a bit in their hands.

Other stories of Vanity Fair that may interest you

• Leonor of Spain is back from Wales: vacation time
• Sofia of Spain blows out 15 candles (without her sister Leonor)
• Leonor di Borbone, not all roses and flowers