On August 5, 2025, Princess Leonor, the 19-year-old Princess of Asturias and heir to the Spanish throne, and her younger sister, 18-year-old Infanta Sofía, attended a charity event in Palma de Mallorca, captivating attendees with their grace, compassion, and dedication to social causes. The event, held at the Marivent Palace, was part of the Spanish royal family’s annual summer engagements in the Balearic Islands. The sisters, joined by their parents, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and grandmother, Queen Sofía, demonstrated their commitment to philanthropy, with Leonor’s eloquent speech leaving the audience in awe of her intelligence and poise. Their radiant presence and heartfelt contributions underscored their growing roles as compassionate ambassadors for Spain’s monarchy.
A Meaningful Charity Event
The charity event at Marivent Palace was organized to support local initiatives in the Balearic Islands, including programs for youth development, environmental conservation, and support for marginalized communities. Over 500 guests attended, including representatives from Balearic institutions, local authorities, and prominent figures such as Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal. The event also featured a special moment of connection with the Mallorca Deaf Persons Association, where Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía used sign language to communicate with attendees, a gesture that resonated deeply with the community. A video shared by Ana María Ruiz, president of the association, captured the royals signing their names, followed by warm applause, highlighting their inclusive approach.
This marked the first time that Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía officially joined their parents and grandmother for the traditional summer reception at Marivent Palace, a significant milestone in their public roles. The palace, a summer residence gifted to former King Juan Carlos I in the 1970s, has long been a backdrop for the royal family’s summer engagements, blending official duties with cultural and charitable activities. The sisters’ participation in the charity event underscored their evolving responsibilities as they prepare for future roles within the monarchy.
A Vision of Elegance and Compassion
Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía arrived at the event radiating elegance and warmth. Leonor wore a blue and white off-the-shoulder maxi dress from the Desigual x Stella Jean collection, previously worn by Queen Letizia at the same event in 2023. The dress, featuring a vibrant print of giraffes, peacocks, and palm trees, was paired with navy Calzados Picon espadrille wedges, which added a youthful, modern touch to her look. Her sleek ponytail and minimal gold earrings complemented the summery aesthetic, embodying both regal sophistication and approachability.
Infanta Sofía, meanwhile, chose a pink tie-dye satin midi dress from Zara, paired with beige Macarena Java34 wedges. Her loose hair and understated accessories reflected her youthful style while aligning with the event’s relaxed Mediterranean vibe. Both sisters’ outfits, featuring espadrilles, echoed their mother’s signature style and highlighted their commitment to sustainable fashion, with Leonor’s borrowed dress symbolizing generational unity and environmental consciousness.
Their appearance was not only a fashion triumph but also a testament to their genuine compassion. Social media posts on X praised the sisters for their “radiant kindness” and “approachable demeanor,” with one user noting, “Leonor and Sofía’s warmth at the charity event shows they’re not just royals—they’re truly dedicated to helping others.” Their interactions with guests, particularly their use of sign language, were described as “heartwarming” and “a powerful gesture of inclusion,” further enhancing their reputation as empathetic young royals.
Princess Leonor’s Stunning Speech
The highlight of the evening was Princess Leonor’s speech, which left attendees and observers stunned by her intelligence, poise, and clarity of vision. Addressing the gathered dignitaries, charity representatives, and community leaders, Leonor spoke passionately about the importance of supporting local initiatives that empower youth, protect the environment, and promote inclusivity. Her remarks were delivered in flawless Spanish, with a confident yet humble tone that resonated with the audience.
In her speech, Leonor emphasized the role of young people in shaping Spain’s future, drawing on her experiences with the Princess of Girona Foundation, which supports youth-driven projects. She highlighted specific initiatives funded by the event, including a program for vocational training for underprivileged youth in the Balearics and a coastal conservation project aimed at preserving Mallorca’s marine ecosystems. “The strength of our communities lies in our ability to come together for a shared purpose,” she said. “By investing in our youth and our environment, we build a future that is not only sustainable but also filled with hope and opportunity.”
Royal commentator Juan Avellaneda, quoted in Hola, described Leonor’s speech as “a masterclass in leadership,” noting that her ability to weave personal anecdotes with policy insights demonstrated a “remarkable maturity for someone so young.” He added, “Her words were not just eloquent—they carried a genuine conviction that inspired everyone in the room.” Social media reactions echoed this sentiment, with one X post stating, “Princess Leonor’s speech was impeccable—brilliant, articulate, and full of heart. She’s truly ready to lead.” Another user remarked, “Leonor’s intelligence shines through; she’s a future queen who understands her people.”
Leonor’s speech also included a nod to her naval training, completed in July 2025 aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano and Blas de Lezo. She spoke of the lessons in discipline and teamwork she gained at sea, connecting them to the collaborative spirit needed for charitable work. Her ability to draw parallels between her military experience and the event’s goals showcased her intellectual depth and her capacity to relate to diverse audiences.
Infanta Sofía’s Supportive Presence
While Leonor took the spotlight with her speech, Infanta Sofía’s presence was equally impactful. Known for her quiet confidence and supportive role, Sofía engaged warmly with attendees, particularly young participants from local charities. Her natural ease was evident in her interactions, including a moment captured by Europa Press where she affectionately took her father’s arm during a related cultural outing to a Joan Miró exhibition in Palma. This gesture, described as “spontaneous and heartfelt,” endeared her to onlookers and highlighted her approachable nature.
Sofía’s involvement in the charity event was not her first foray into public duties. Earlier in July 2025, she and Leonor attended the Princess of Girona Awards in Barcelona and the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final in Switzerland, where they met Prince William and Princess Charlotte. These engagements reflect her growing role as a supportive figure to her sister, the future queen, and her commitment to causes like women’s sports and youth empowerment. Her decision to forgo military training, unlike Leonor, and instead pursue a degree in Politics and International Relations at Forward College in Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin, underscores her unique path within the royal family.
A Family United in Purpose
The charity event was a family affair, with King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Queen Sofía joining Leonor and Sofía. Queen Letizia, dressed in a white midi dress by Tony Bonet, and Queen Sofía, in a summery ensemble, added to the event’s elegance. The royals’ collective presence reinforced their commitment to Mallorca, a region Queen Sofía has described as her “personal refuge” due to its resemblance to her childhood summer home in Corfu. The event also highlighted the Spanish monarchy’s emphasis on continuity, with three generations working together to support charitable causes.
The use of sign language by Letizia, Leonor, and Sofía was a standout moment, reflecting their dedication to inclusivity. Ana María Ruiz, in her Instagram post, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to teach the royals basic signs, calling it a “unique moment” that made the event “even more special.” This gesture, combined with the family’s engagement with local charities, underscored their role as approachable and socially conscious royals.
A Broader Context of Duty and Transition
The charity event comes at a pivotal time for both princesses. Leonor, fresh from her naval training, is preparing for her final year of military education at the San Javier Air Force Academy in Murcia, a step toward her role as Spain’s future Commander-in-Chief. Her recent engagements, including a solo trip to Portugal and the Princess of Asturias Awards, demonstrate her readiness to take on greater responsibilities. Sofía, meanwhile, is set to begin her university studies in September 2025, a move that will see her study across three European cities while continuing to support her sister and the monarchy.
The sisters’ appearances in Palma, including a visit to a Joan Miró exhibition and a film festival screening, reflect their packed summer schedule, balancing official duties with cultural and charitable engagements. Their coordinated outfits and shared commitment to sustainability—evident in Leonor’s borrowed dress—have drawn comparisons to other royal families, such as the Waleses, with whom they shared a warm meeting at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 final.
Conclusion
Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía’s participation in the Marivent Palace charity event was a powerful display of their beauty, compassion, and dedication to Spain’s future. Leonor’s speech, marked by intelligence and vision, solidified her as a future queen with the ability to inspire and lead. Sofía’s supportive presence and genuine warmth complemented her sister’s efforts, reinforcing their roles as a dynamic duo within the monarchy. As they continue to navigate their public duties, the sisters’ radiant kindness and commitment to philanthropy signal a bright future for Spain’s royal family, rooted in empathy and service.