Spain’s Princess Leonor Swears Allegiance to Divided Nation on Her 18th Birthday

Princess Leonor, the heir to Spain’s throne, made a significant public appearance on her 18th birthday, swearing allegiance to the constitution amidst political divisions and highlighting the monarchy’s controversial role in the country.

Princess Leonor’s formal declaration marked her coming of age, signifying her direct path to the throne after her father, King Felipe VI, provided there were no male heirs. The princess, who received her education in Wales and commenced military training in Spain earlier this year, pledged to uphold the law, respect citizens’ and regional rights, and remain faithful to the king.

While the ceremony was attended by most cabinet ministers and regional leaders, notable absences were observed. The acting ministers of equality, social rights, and consumer affairs, all from the left-wing coalition partner Unidas Podemos, boycotted the event, citing their opposition to a hereditary and unelected head of state. Lawmakers from Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, advocating for their regions’ independence, also refrained from attending.

Public opinion in Spain reflects the deep-seated divisions regarding the monarchy. A 2022 poll indicated that 51.6% of Spaniards favored transitioning into a republic, while 34.6% preferred maintaining the monarchy. However, a poll conducted a year earlier showed 55.3% in support of the crown. The state-run Centre for Sociological Studies ceased asking citizens to rate the monarch in 2015 after King Felipe VI assumed the throne following the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos I, who is now residing in Abu Dhabi.

Juan Carlos I’s absence from the ceremony raised eyebrows, as he left Spain in 2020 amid investigations into alleged financial irregularities related to business dealings in Saudi Arabia. Although the investigations were dropped due to insufficient evidence and the statute of limitations, controversy continues to surround his reign. Opponents of the monarchy argue that Juan Carlos’ 1975 coronation was illegitimate, alleging that he had been groomed to succeed dictator Francisco Franco. Conversely, supporters of the monarchy contend that Spaniards had the opportunity to choose their form of government when they voted for the 1978 constitution, establishing a parliamentary monarchy they describe as symbolic and apolitical.

Princess Leonor’s public oath-taking ceremony underscores the complexities and divisions within Spanish society, reflecting the ongoing debate surrounding the country’s political future.