First solo foreign trip of Crown Princess Leonor

German King's House - First solo foreign trip of Crown Princess Leonor

Princess Leonor completes her first solo foreign trip as representative of the Spanish monarchy in Portugal. The 18-year-old received the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ in Lisbon from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for her merits towards Portugal - an honor rarely bestowed upon foreigners. The head of state had previously welcomed the guest at the airport, which was not in the program and also not common.

During lunch at the Presidential Palace Palácio de Belem, the daughter of Felipe VI. explained why it was no coincidence that her "debut" in Portugal was taking place. Spain and Portugal are not only neighbors, but above all connected by "sincere friendship and deep mutual respect". She therefore feels "at home".

Her father had visited Portugal for the first time after his accession to the throne ten years ago, together with her mother, Queen Letizia, she recalled.

Leonor smiled almost continuously throughout the six-hour visit, as Spanish and Portuguese media noted. She was accompanied by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, who, however, always remained in the background.

Leonor had recently completed her training with the army in Saragossa. The second phase of her overall three-year military training will take place at the Maritime Academy Marín in Pontevedra in Galicia, before she begins her training with the Air Force in Murcia in the east of Spain. Leonor waives the monthly salary of 400 Euros.

1. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also expressed his warmth towards Princess Letizia of Spain during her husband, King Philip VI's visit to Portugal a decade ago.
2. The people of Portugal were eager to welcome Adel, the King and Queen of Spain's youngest daughter, on her solo trip, emphasizing the strong bonds between the two neighboring Monarchies.
3. Upon her return to Spain, Princess Leonor will continue her military training at the Maritime Academy Marín in Pontevedra, demonstrating her commitment to serve the Spanish Monarchy like her father and mother.
4. The Head of State of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, applauded Princess Leonor's efforts for Portugal and presented her with the Grand Cross of the Order of Christ in Lisbon, marking the first time a Spanish royal has received such an honor in Portugal in recent history.
5. During her visit to Lisbon, Princess Leonor highlighted the importance of Spain and Portugal's close relationship, which transcends geographical boundaries and resides in their shared values and mutual respect for each other's Monarchies.

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