Princess Leonor of Spain was visiting Portugal today for her very first solo international Trip. The Princess of Asturias had a busy agenda this week with Princess of Girona Foundation Awards and events in Costa Brava. She came back to Madrid just to get ready for this crucial milestone of her royal journey.
Leonor departed from the Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport after the formal farewell that began with greeting the authorities followed by the interpretation of the National Anthem. She reviewed the troops before boarding the Royal Air Force Boeing. As the future Queen and direct heir to the Spanish Throne Leonor received full formal departure as King Felipe usually gets before his International visits.
On her first official trip abroad, Leonor was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares. The Princess of Asturias received an express invitation of President Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal for the visit.
Upon arrival in Portuguese capital, Lisbon, The Spanish Princess, Leonor, was received by the Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the airbase. The trip is focused on the protection of the environment and the conservation of the oceans, priority themes for Portugal and Spain. The choice of Portugal as the destination of Her Royal Highness the Princess of Asturias abroad reflects and reinforces the bonds of fraternity and proximity that bind both countries.
The Spanish and Portuguese Foreign Ministers will participate accompanying Princess Leonor in the different institutional meetings that will take place in Lisbon during the official visit.
After greetings and formal welcome, Princess Leonor’s first engagement in Lisbon was the floral offering at the tomb of the Portuguese writer and poet, Luís Camões, at the Jerónimos Monastery of Santa María de Belém.
Princess Leonor toured the monastery and were given a briefing on its history.
Next Leonor headed to the Palace of Belém, the official residence of the Portuguese President. At the Palace, Princess Leonor received formal ceremonial welcome. Both nation’s National Anthem was played, Leonor took the salute and reviewed the Battalion.
President Sousa presented the Spanish Princess with the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ – her first foreign honour.
Leonor also signed the Palace’s Book of Honour to mark her visit.
A lunch was hosted by the President for the Princesses. President Sousa welcomed the Princess to Portugal and expressed his happiness that Spanish Government and Royal household chose Portugal as her first International agenda.
Apart from both countries bi-lateral relationships, the Portugal also has a personal meaning for the Princesses. Her parents, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, also chose Portgual for their first international trip after their proclamation as King and Queen of Spain in 2014.
Addressing the lunch guests, Princess Leonor said, “Ten years ago this dear country was the first destination for my parents as King and Queen of Spain, so I cannot deny how special it is for me to be here today. They, who have been here on so many occasions, have spoken to me with great affection, of their visits to Portugal, the affection they have received here and how you have always made them feel at home. That’s how I feel today“.
After the lunch, Princess of Asturias headed to the Oceanarion of Lisbon accompanied by the President. The Lisbon Oceanarium is located in the Parque das Nações, which was the exhibition grounds for the Expo ’98. It is one of the largest indoor aquariums in Europe and is home to a large collection of marine species.
Leonor and President were given a tour of the Oceanarium. They also watched two small videos describing the functioning of the Oceanarium and how it is working towards the preservation and protection of oceans and marine species.
A group of young kids who were visiting the Oceanarium were very excited to see the Princess and President. Leonor stopped and talked to the children and the guardians. Stood for many photographs.
From there, Princess of Asturias headed to the Lisbon airbase where President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa bid her farewell and congratulated her on the big milestone and wished her best for the many more to come.
What Princess Leonor of Spain wore for Portugal Visit
- Carolina Herrera Crepe Double-Breasted Tailored Suit Jacket – New
- Carolina Herrera Crepe Trousers – New
- White Unidentified Top – New
- Gold & Roses Needle I Am earrings – Queen Letizia’s Wardrobe
- Unidentified Gold Ring – New
- Olivia Mareque Olivia Bag – New
- PINKCHIC Guagua pumps – Repeat