Prince Simeon of Bulgaria, the only son of Princess Kalina and the Spanish explorer Kitín Muñoz, had a day that will go down in history. On November 1st, the Day of the National Awakeners in Bulgaria, a celebration honoring the teachers, writers, and leaders who preserved the country’s culture, knowledge, national identity, and spirit of freedom, the 18 year old was involved in his first National Revival Day.
Prince Simeon joined the squadrons of Bulgaria’s Youth Guard during the solemn ceremony held in the city of Elin Pelin, after becoming a member of the Youth Guard.
Under the leadership of his grandfather, King Simeon II
With the blessing of his grandfather, King Simeon II, and his parents, Prince Simeon received the insignia of the Youth Guard from Dr. Denislava Angelova, president of the association, and pledged his commitment as a volunteer member. A few days later, he became the first member of the Bulgarian royal family to have participated in the parade.
Dressed in his ceremonial uniform, the prince greeted the young cadets and marched alongside the 22nd Student Guard unit from the Vasil Levski Institute. He joined the traditional torchlight procession and laid flowers at the monument of writer Elin Pelin, a symbolic figure of the city.
© Abaca PressThe Youth Guard, made up of students from across the country, participates in national and local initiatives, public causes, and educational programs designed to promote respect, empathy, and love for Bulgaria and its traditions. The initiative operates under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, with assistance from the National Guard Unit and the support of several ministries.
A celebration established by King Boris
The mayor of Elin Pelin reminded attendees that it was King Boris, Simeon’s great-grandfather, who established this national holiday. He expressed his honor at having the young prince present, continuing the family legacy by laying a floral tribute with Kitín Muñoz at the statue honoring Bulgaria’s heroes. “I thank my mother for having been born here and for being Bulgarian,” said Prince Simeon to the national television channel. The remark was made days before beginning a new chapter in China.
© SOPA Images LimitedSimeon has been accepted by the monks of the legendary Shaolin Monastery in China’s Henan province. Starting November 12, he will perfect his kung fu practice and develop the spiritual, physical, and mental discipline that defines the ancient art.
Last April, Princess Kalina and Kitín Muñoz visited the temple where their son will reside for the coming months. Simeon began practicing martial arts as a child in Morocco, and at 16, he was named a Global Ambassador of Taekwondo in South Korea after excelling in the prestigious Hanmadang Championship. This summer, he also took part for the third time in the Don Pelayo military camp in Orea (Guadalajara), where he received training from active members of the Special Operations Command.
