A high-end vehicle arrives at the State Pavilion of Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport. The license plate features a blue background and a crown. In the front of the hood, a pennant with the standard of the House of Asturias. And in the back seat, Princess Leonor.
The heir to the Throne arrived yesterday at ten-thirty in the morning at the terminal. It was her first time and the entire machinery of the Head of State went to work for the Princess. Leonor made her international debut with an official trip to Portugal that lasted as long as a workday: eight hours. But, to get to that moment, the Princess has dedicated several workdays.
The decision for the heir to visit Portugal had been planned at the Zarzuela Palace for some time. Not only is it a country with historical ties since the War of Restoration, but the relationship between Felipe VI and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, both Heads of State, is almost like family, with several public gestures that have shown the affection that unites them. The next decision made by the Zarzuela Palace was at a communication level. It was determined that no member of the Royal Family would have events, so Leonor was the sole protagonist of the day.
The heir has been alternating her preparation for the trip to Portugal with the Princess of Girona Awards, which she presented last Wednesday in Lloret de Mar. The eldest daughter of Felipe VI knows the country's history through her own education, it is worth noting that Leonor has studied the International Baccalaureate in Wales, and she also knows the history of the different European dynasties.
On Wednesday, after presenting the awards, the King and his daughters flew back to Madrid after ten o'clock at night. The heir then spent Thursday finishing up the details of her visit to Lisbon. Also, practicing the speech, in which she surprised by using a bit of Portuguese, a language she had never spoken in public but which has similarities with Galician, a co-official language she knows. The Princess usually practices her public speeches with the help of Queen Letizia, who, in addition to being a great communicator, usually helps incorporate more personal or age-appropriate parts into her daughter's speeches. The Queen emphasizes that her daughter should articulate as much as possible and speak slowly.
In addition to her mother's help, yesterday in Lisbon, the entire Zarzuela Palace machinery worked in service of the Heir. She was accompanied by her father's Chief of Staff, Camilo Villarino; also the Head of Protocol, Francisco de Lizaur, and the security chief, Miguel Herráiz. There was also a small medical team composed of a doctor and a nurse. They are military personnel from the common corps who have Zarzuela as their assignment. Also helping with her appearance were the Queen's stylist, Eva Fernández; and Queen Letizia's hairdresser, Luz Valero. All to ensure that Leonor's first trip abroad showed a princess who is increasingly prepared.