Photo montage of King Felipe VI and Infanta Sofía looking straight ahead with a red warning icon between them.

It's official: King Felipe says enough and finally confirms the news about Infanta Sofía

The monarch makes an unexpected decision that marks a turning point in the life of his youngest daughter, Infanta Sofía

King Felipe VI has made a decision that is now final and brings an end to an educational stage for his younger daughter, Infanta Sofía. The close circle around Zarzuela has confirmed that the Royal Family has officially dispensed with Sofía and Leonor's Catalan governess. The measure, which has been carefully considered, marks a turning point in the linguistic education of the Infanta.

This decision hasn't been improvised, but rather responds to a new stage in Infanta Sofía's life, who has completed her training in this area. King Felipe has considered that, after years of personalized and discreet work, the initial goal has already been satisfactorily achieved. Some sectors have interpreted the announcement as a way to reaffirm Sofía's autonomy in her future institutional development.

A young woman in a white suit smiles as she walks through an event surrounded by people.
Infanta Sofía, ready to take on new challenges in her institutional role | Europapress

For years, Leonor and Sofía have received private Catalan lessons inside Zarzuela, long before they began official engagements. This instruction wasn't the result of a superficial protocol, but rather a firm commitment by the Royal Household to show their dedication to the country's linguistic diversity. Felipe VI himself is said to have personally promoted this initiative as part of his modern vision for the Crown.

King Felipe makes a decision regarding Infanta Sofía's linguistic education

The person in charge of teaching the classes was a specialized governess, recommended by the Director of Communications of the Royal Household. Her identity has been carefully protected for security and confidentiality reasons, although it is known that she had a solid background in personalized education. Her role has been key in the early education of the King's daughters, including Catalan, English, and Arabic.

For years, this figure played a discreet but strategic role in the education of the young women within the family environment. Her methods adapted to institutional routines without interfering in the family's public life. According to sources close to the family, she was decisive in Leonor's first speech in Catalonia in 2019, where she showed a command of Catalan that was positively surprising.

Queen Letizia, Infanta Sofía, and Felipe VI elegantly dressed in shades of red and gray smile while standing in front of an ancient stone structure.
Infanta Sofía, accompanied by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, during the celebration of her graduation | Europa Press

With her training completed, King Felipe VI closes Infanta Sofía's educational cycle

However, since Leonor left for Wales, and now with Sofía's academic plans underway, the Royal Family has ended the governess's stage. The Infanta has reached a sufficient level in Catalan to handle herself confidently in institutional contexts. King Felipe, consistent with his vision of a prepared monarchy, has chosen to close this chapter.

This measure has coincided with other symbolic gestures by the monarch, such as the recent institutional visit to the Monastery of Montserrat. In a sensitive political context, the approach to Catalan cultural symbols has been seen as a sign of respect and normality. The Royal Family has strengthened their ties with Catalonia, not only through visits, but also with key events such as the Princess of Girona Awards.

Infanta Sofía holds a diploma while standing between two adults, with a background of flags and a castle.
Infanta Sofía concludes a key stage in her educational training | Europa Press

King Felipe closes a cycle and opens the door to Infanta Sofía's institutional prominence

This year, the Foundation has decentralized its format, taking the Talent Tour to different parts of Spain. Although the main ceremony was held in León, the impact of the program has also been felt in other cities such as Móstoles. With Leonor embarking on the training ship and later on the frigate Blas de Lezo, Sofía is now beginning to take on a greater role.

The confirmation by King Felipe puts an end to years of speculation about his daughters' private education. With this decision, an educational stage that has significantly contributed to shaping Sofía in the values of respect, pluralism, and commitment to Spain comes to a close. The Infanta, now more mature and prepared, steps confidently into a new institutional cycle.