,type=downsize)
Infanta Sofia of Spain made a surprise appearance at an audience at Zarzuela Palace. King Felipe, Queen Letizia and their 18-year-old daughter received the Board of Trustees of the Spanish Committee of the United World Colleges Foundation on Tuesday. Sponsors as well as students who have obtained a spot for 2025 and students who, like Sofia, have returned after finishing their two-year programs were also in attendance.
The United World Colleges Spanish Committee Foundation (UWC Spain) is responsible for raising the necessary funds so that a greater number of Spanish students can attend United World Colleges each year, and is also responsible for selecting applicants according the International Office's guidelines. The foundation's "main mission is to promote the ideals of international understanding in Spain, involving society at large and not just students and their families, an action it carries out through short-term summer and winter programs," per UWC Spain.
Both Sofia and Leonor attended one of UWC's 18 colleges. The King and Queen's older daughter graduated from UWC Atlantic in 2023. Months later, Sofia began her studies at the same school in Wales.
The King and Queen's younger daughter graduated from UWC Atlantic this past May. As Sofia made her way to the stage to collect her diploma, a teacher said, “Your journey has been marked by determination and personal growth, evolving from a naturally empathetic and affectionate listener to a trained peer listener. A true friend in times of need. Sofía's warmth and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed.”
While Sofia followed in her big sister's footsteps by attending UWC Atlantic, it's been reported that she won't undergo military training like Leonor, who started her three-year military training in August of 2023. HOLA! Spain previously reported that Sofia considered joining the army and taking a helicopter pilot course, but has ultimately decided to pursue a university degree.
On Wednesday, the King, Queen and Sofia are scheduled to be at the Naval Military Academy in Marín, where Felipe will award Princess Leonor the Grand Cross of Naval Merit.
The Princess of Asturias' naval training began last August at the Naval Military Academy of Marín and continued this year onboard the Training Ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. "Time has passed very quickly, as the intense months in Marín have been followed by the training cruise on the training ship and the weeks on the frigate. But whether in Marín or at sea, I feel that this year in the Navy has served to strengthen the values of honor, valor, discipline, and loyalty that define our Naval Military Academy," Leonor said on July 14 (translated to English). "I'm also referring to the academic rigor and the excellent training and instruction I and my classmates have received. None of this would have been possible without the good work of the commanders, professors, and the staff who work at the school and those who are part of the crew of the ships on which I've had the opportunity to embark."
"And, of course, I want to mention my colleagues, the 75 midshipmen from my class and those from other classes with whom I've also shared a lot of time. They've all welcomed me and helped me since that August 29th of last year when I entered the gate of Carlos I. Together we have expressed our gratitude for the affection that the people of Marín have always shown, and that is why I feel very honored that you consider me an adopted daughter of Marín. Thank you, Mayor, thank you to the municipality and all the residents," she continued. "There I go now, after receiving, here in Santiago, the Gold Medal of Galicia. A distinction that, as it says in its relief, is awarded "ós bos e xenerosos" (to the good and generous). I think there's no better way to describe the people of this land, to you, who today grant me, President, such a valuable recognition. We're almost separated, but I won't be homesick because I always want to return to Galicia. Or as I heard when we entered the Ferrol estuary, this is my home, where the sea ends."