Leonor of Spain: Can the British monarchy learn from the Spanish amid explosive racism scandal?

The end of October 2023 was Leonor of Spain’s season. The heir to the Spanish throne attracted the attention of the entire world when she turned 18. The birthday, on top of usually being perceived as a real step in adulthood, had another significance for the young royal.

On her eighteenth birthday, Princess Leonor had to swear allegiance to the Spanish constitution. A very important step in her ascension to the throne. The pictures of the ceremony as well as another in which she received medals went absolutely viral. Between her all-white suit and the sweet moment with her royal parents, the world was enamoured with the young royal.

Of course, that transition into a more formal role comes with challenges but it seems like Spain is a bit more ready to innovate and modernise than other royals in Europe.

The Spanish people can directly reach Princess Leonor

Express reports what Spanish publication Ulmita Hora said. According to them, the Spanish people have been given a way to directly contact the Princess but that not all will be receiving a ‘personalised answer’. They write:

The Spanish Royal Family has recently introduced a new feature on its website that has generated great interest among citizens: the possibility of sending direct messages to Princess Leonor, heir to the throne and an increasingly prominent figure in the country's public life.

We understand that the main use of this feature was probably to allow citizens to congratulate the Princess on her 18th birthday but realistically this could become a concrete way for the royals to be in touch with their people.

This followed the recommendations of Carmen Remírez de Ganuza, a royal biographer. She explained, as reported by the BBC, that the young Princess ‘will have to connect with her own digital generation’. Princess Leonor seems to be on the right track.

Could the British monarchy learn from Spain?

The two monarchies are not in the same place. Though it’s true that the Windsors are always trying to get out of some dramathey still enjoy a great deal of popularity. In 2022, a YouGov poll showed that 62% of Britons were in favour of the monarchy. This number is not their highest but it still is better than what the Spanish royals get.

Indeed, in 2020 Reuters reported that a poll revealed that only 34,9% of Spaniards approved of the monarchy. This followed years of scandal which led King Juan Carlos to abdicate in 2014 in favour of his son. The controversies were so bad that the monarch had to move to Abu Dhabi where he still remains to this day.

That being said, the Spanish monarchy seems to demonstrate that it is far more willing to evolve than the British monarchy. As reported, the efforts made in order to appear more accessible are significant. The people can address the heir to the throne directly through the official website. Moreover, they are making efforts to be seen at popular events like the Women’s World Cup final for which Prince William, President of the football association, did not make the trip.

The Spanish Royal Family also has the luxury to have young working royals that can work toward ensuring that younger generations feel represented and seen by an establishment which is inherently old and stuffy. Since the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the UK has seen the average age of the working royals increase.

Finally, something the Spanish royals seem to have understood is the art of mixing pomp with restrain. For instance, Princess Leonor’s birthday was not accompanied by state banquets but by a private family dinner. Of course King Charles did the same but he also has been lining up luxurious engagements since the beginning of his reign.

Maybe the two royal families can influence each other for the better but there is definitely food for thought in ‘Leonormania’.

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Sources:

Express: Spain lets residents get in touch with Princess Leonor as Leonormania grips the country

BBC: Princess Leonor of Spain's royal profile rises as she turns 18

Time: Do Brits Still Want the Monarchy? What Polls Say Ahead of Charles' Coronation

YouGov: Platinum Jubilee: where does public opinion stand on the monarchy?

Reuters: Poll finds over 40% of Spaniards back republic in wake of royal scandals