On her 18th birthday, which fell on October 31, 2023, Princess Leonor of Spain swore an oath to the constitution, signaling her future role as the queen of Spain. The young princess received a standing ovation from the members of the Spanish Congress and Senate gathered for the joint session.
Princess Leonor, born in Madrid, Spain, on October 31, 2005, is the eldest daughter of the current King of Spain, Felipe VI, and Queen Letizia. Her elegance and intelligence have won the hearts of the Spanish people, reinvigorating the image of the royal house after a controversial period during the reign of her grandfather, former King Juan Carlos.
Reports in the media have highlighted accusations of money laundering against the former King, along with allegations of harassment by his former lover, Princess Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, a German aristocrat. These accusations have severely tarnished the reputation of the Spanish royal family.
In the midst of these challenges, many are turning their attention to “Leonormania.” Some experts attribute her popularity to her relative absence from the public eye. The mystery surrounding Princess Leonor has piqued public curiosity, and people are eager to learn more about her.
In the age of social media, Princess Leonor has managed to steer clear of controversial topics and maintain a carefully curated image. Fernando Rayón, a journalist and professor of political information at CEU San Pablo University, noted, “The royal family’s timing has been impeccable. During her studies, the princess maintained a low profile in public appearances.”
Leonor’s popularity is so widespread that, as reported by Hola magazine, only 21% of Spaniards believe she is unprepared for her future role as the head of state. While her personal life remains largely private, her presence on the national stage has captured the imagination of the Spanish public, ushering in a new era of royal anticipation.