During his latest public appearance at Marivent Palace, King Felipe delivered a blunt and revealing message about his daughter, Infanta Sofía. The young woman couldn't avoid being publicly singled out for the role she played that day.
Last Monday, August 4, one of the most desired events on the Spanish royal family's summer agenda took place: the traditional reception at Marivent Palace. Several authorities from the Balearic Islands and representatives of Balearic society attended the event, including athletes Rafa Nadal and Rudy Fernández.
In addition, after presiding over the customary hand-kissing ceremony, King Felipe had no qualms about sharing a clear speech with everyone present: renewal and tradition can coexist.
However, the monarch's message that drew the most attention wasn't exactly in the lines of his speech, but rather in the decision he made regarding his daughter Sofía.
As we saw that day, King Felipe decided to give the Infanta a much more significant role within the institution. This small but meaningful gesture certainly didn't go unnoticed.
King Felipe sends a clear and urgent message about his daughter, Infanta Sofía: he wants her to have a more significant role
Throughout all these years, both King Felipe and Queen Letizia have allowed their daughters to grow up naturally, without being forced to bear the weight of the institution. Last Monday marked a turning point for Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía.
As we could see that day, the sisters began to take on a much more active role within the Crown. So much so that they've stopped being mere observers at institutional events and have become the main protagonists of these occasions.
In fact, there's no doubt that both Infanta Sofía and the future Queen of Spain have integrated smoothly into public life, reflecting the maturity they've gained over the years. Moreover, with this gesture, Felipe VI marked a turning point in the monarchy's public image.
The desired official reception began when the King, his daughters, and Queen Sofía walked out through the majestic entrance of Marivent Palace. On the other side, more than 600 guests (600) waited with fans in hand and cold drinks, ready to participate in the customary hand-kissing ceremony.
This year, this protocol greeting took on special meaning, since, for the first time, Leonor and Infanta Sofía joined in. At that moment, both had the opportunity to greet all the attendees one by one for more than twenty minutes.
After the greeting, King Felipe and the rest of the royal family members mingled with the guests, conversing in an informal tone about various topics. The dinner, prepared by chef Andreu Genestra, paid tribute to Balearic cuisine with local flavors and seasonal products.