Infanta Sofia of Spain, the younger daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, has begun a new chapter of her life and left home for the first time to study abroad. Sofia has started 2 years long International Baccalaureate at the UWC Atlantic College in Wales, UK. Sofia’s elder sister, Princess Leonor of Spain, graduated from the same college in May this year.
It was announced earlier this year in February that Sofia will follow her sister’s footsteps and will head to the UK for high school. Sofia graduated from Santa María de los Rosales School this summer. While the both sister’s seems to have a same journey so far since the birth, their destiny could not be more different – Leonor is destined to be the Queen of the Spain one day, Sofia’s role is to support her younger sister.
Although both sisters seems to have the same upbringing they are very different individuals and their personalities show it. Felipe and Letizia have balanced their approach to distinguish the destiny of both sisters. The pictures released by palace today when Sofia left for UWC are more candid and intimate than what we have when Leonor left for the same college.
Felipe and Letizia bid farewell to their daughter outside their home ‘Prince’s Pavilion’ which is next to the Royal Palace of Zarzuela. For the first time we also saw the family dog ‘Jan’. wearing a casual outfit, 16 years old Infanta was looking ready for the next phase of her life. Two suitcases were packed, a car’s trunk was open to load the luggage and whisk Sofia away.
And few hours later we saw Sofia exploring the scenic UWC Atlantic College located in the historic St. Donat’s Castle in Wales with a black backpack on her shoulder. The 12th century castle is set in 122 acres of woodland and farmland with its own valley and seafront.
“I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self denial, and above all, compassion” – Kurt Hahn
Sofia will be studying, with the students who come from 150 different countries, at the school which was founded by German educationalist Kurt Hahn in 1962. The man behind the Salem School in Germany, Gordonstoun School in Scotland, Outward Bound and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. The school, that is also known as “Hippie Hogwarts” due to its progressive education system, costs around £67,000 per year.
Just like her sister, Sofia will also live at one of the 8 student residences available inside the school campus. The College website describes its campus as ‘Magical’ and green by choice. Sir Antonin Besse – the French-born Businessman was the key behind the foundation of this campus. He donated his property – St. Donat’s castle to the developing governing body of UWC. Sir Besse was also the key behind the foundation of Oxford.
Princess Sofia will graduate from the college in summer of 2025. The school has a long standing glorious history with a Royal connection. King Charles III remained the president of UWC from 1978 to 1995. Charles took over the presidency from his uncle Lord Luis Mountbatten who was the first president of the UWC since 1967 and was succeeded by Queen Noor of Jordan in 1995 who still holds the Presidency.
What Queen Letizia wore to bid farewell to Sofia
- £289 Hugo Boss Jaflera Blazer – (New thanks to letiziaroyalfashionlook on Instagram for the ids)
- White top and white trousers – (Unidentified)
- €113 MU01 Sneakers – (Repeat – debuted August 2023 Farm school visit)
- €1,775 Gold & Roses Shewel Triple Hoops – (Repeat – September 2022)
- Corterno Ring – (Repeat – debuted January 2023)
What Infanta Sofia wore for Wales arrival
- $29.99 H&M Oversized Flannel Shirt – (New thanks to letiziaroyalfashionlook on Instagram for the ids)
- Stradivarius Straight Fit Cargo Trousers – (New)
- Jimmy Lion Ghosts Socks – (Thanks to Nuria for the id)
- Reebok Club C 85 Sneakers – (Repeat)
