Infanta Sofia of Spain has arrived in Portugal! Photos of Queen Letizia and King Felipe's younger daughter have been released by Casa de S.M. el Rey showing the 18 year old with other students at Forward College's campus in Lisbon and exploring her new home for the next year. Sofia posed for photos near the Jerónimos Monastery as well as at the Fonte Monumental de Belém.
While classes begin on Sept. 22, Sofia, who will be studying Politics and International Relations, has been participating in introduction activities with her classmates since Sept. 8, per HOLA! Spain. It was also reported that veteran students advised Sofia and fellow new students to take advantage of "doing all the fun things in the first trimester so you have more time to study in the second and third trimesters," and shared additional tips like the best bars in Portugal's capital.
Forward College students in Lisbon attend classes at two learning centers in the city centre, Flores and Soriano, and live in the student residence in Benfica. Over the next three years, Sofia will live and study in three different European capitals.
After her first year in Lisbon, Sofia will spend her second year studying in Paris followed by Berlin for her final year. Forward College notes that spending one year in each city is "a unique opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and engage with local communities and cultures."
According to the school, the "program is designed to nurture your curiosity, enrich your understanding, and help you build bridges across different contexts. These skills will be valuable as you navigate today’s globalised living, socialising, and working environments. Through dedicated intercultural classes, learning expeditions, cultural activities with a local focus, conferences, and real-world projects, you will be encouraged to immerse yourself in the contexts of each city where you will reside for a year."
Sofia graduated from UWC Atlantic in Wales this past May. As she made her way to the stage, 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 attended the same school in Wales as her older sister, Princess Leonor, she did not follow in the Princess of Asturias' footsteps when it came to undergoing military training. HOLA! Spain previously reported that Sofia considered joining the army and taking a helicopter pilot course, but ultimately decided to pursue a university degree.
Princess Leonor began her three-year military training after graduating from UWC Atlantic in 2023. The future Queen is now in her third and final year. Letizia and Felipe's firstborn arrived at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier on Sept. 1 to begin her aeronautical training.
In the Academy's Book of Honor, Princess Leonor wrote (translated to English): "Today I begin the third stage of my military training at this General Air and Space Academy. I look forward with enthusiasm to this course, during which I will have the opportunity to begin my aeronautical training and, alongside my classmates, learn the practical and theoretical aspects of military aviation."