20-year-old Princess to make history as Spain’s first queen in 150 years

Spain is on the brink of a historic moment as Princess Leonor, the 20-year-old daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is set to become the country’s first Queen Regnant in over 150 years. Leonor will be the first female monarch to reign since Isabella II, who ruled Spain during the 19th century.

Decades Of Dictatorship

The Spanish crown has been held by the Bourbon dynasty since the early 1700s, following their victory over the Habsburgs in the War of the Spanish Succession. After decades of dictatorship under General Francisco Franco, the monarchy was restored in 1975 with King Juan Carlos I. Juan Carlos played a pivotal role in guiding Spain through its transition to democracy before abdicating in 2014 in favor of his son, Felipe, who has been king since.

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King Felipe VI married former journalist Letizia Ortiz in 2004, who became queen at the age of 42. The royal couple has two daughters: Princess Leonor, born in 2005, who is heir apparent, and Infanta Sofia, born in 2007. Princess Leonor has been groomed for her future role, participating in official engagements and representing the royal family on national and international stages.

Historic Transition

With the Spanish monarchy preparing for this historic transition, Leonor’s ascension is not only a landmark for gender equality in Spain’s monarchy but also a continuation of the Bourbon dynasty’s centuries-long legacy. Spaniards and royal watchers worldwide now await the moment when Princess Leonor officially takes the crown, ushering in a new chapter in the nation’s history.