Princess Leonor's Full Speech | 2025 Princess of Asturias Awards

Both the King and the Princess emphasized in their speeches that coexistence “is not easy, but it is the only path to shared progress.”

“Living together is not easy. We must protect and defend the values that define us as citizens. Trusting in them means trusting in freedom over fear.” With these words, Princess Leonor, following in the footsteps of her father, the King, used the example of the laureates of the Princess of Asturias Awards to call for the continued defense of “justice over arbitrariness, democracy over intolerance, the rule of law over abuse of power, and human rights over indifference.”

The awards ceremony at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo has changed very little over more than forty years — the only major change being the year Felipe of Bourbon went from Prince of Asturias to King. Leonor has held the title of Princess of Asturias since 2014, and from her first speech in 2019, at almost fourteen, to the one she just delivered, her message has grown in substance and depth.

This year, for the first time, the Princess’s speech lasted longer than the King’s. Moreover, the King deliberately stepped back, allowing his daughter to take center stage — not only through her words, but through his own modest tone. Avoiding emphatic phrases and major headlines, he chose instead to direct full attention to Leonor’s message, as she had spoken before him.

The King reaffirmed his commitment to the goals, values, and future of the Princess of Asturias Awards and Foundation, while acknowledging that “it is naturally my duty to gradually hand this space over to the heir to the Crown.” He praised his daughter, noting that “she has taken on a more active role in public life, showing new signs of maturity and sensitivity with every step.”

The King also sent a clear message, recognizing that we live in a world torn between two equally troubling extremes: “radical individualism and a globalizing impulse that makes everything uniform.” He highlighted the laureates’ example as “a light along the path we must all walk,” and, echoing Leonor’s words, reaffirmed that “coexistence is not easy, but it is the only path to achieving shared progress.”

Leonor, in a kind and youthful tone, described herself as a member of Generation Z and “the daughter of an X and a Boomer.” She addressed her remarks to each of the award winners through what she called a “postal letter delivered by voice.”

To Mario Draghi, winner in International Cooperation, she recalled his words as President of the European Central Bank: “We will do whatever it takes — and believe me, it will be enough.” Leonor said the phrase not only calmed the markets but carried a deeper message — “the defense of European values, of solidarity among nations, and the idea that together we are stronger.”

Speaking to Serena Williams, laureate in Sports, Leonor praised her for showing that “greatness does not lie in always winning, but in the ability to rise, learn, and move forward.” With a warm touch of humor, she added: “It’s beautiful what you say about your sister — ‘Without Venus, there would be no Serena.’” Turning to Infanta Sofía, Leonor smiled and said, “Complicit sisters are our greatest companions on life’s journey.”

Her next letter was addressed to Professor Mary-Claire King, winner in Scientific and Technical Research, who could not attend due to a sudden illness. Leonor said, “Her social commitment has gone further, using her knowledge of genetics to help others.” Thanks to King’s research, many children of the disappeared during Argentina’s dictatorship were able to reunite with their grandparents.

To Mexico’s National Museum of Anthropology, laureate in International Cooperation, Leonor dedicated words of admiration, highlighting that it “projects the strength of a nation that looks at itself with pride and shows the world its generosity in sharing its great history in a spirit of harmony.” Mexico was also present in her message to photographer Graciela Iturbide, winner in Arts, whom she described as “a photographer unhurried by time, with a writer’s vocation, a scholar of cinema, and a passionate reader.”

To Professor Douglas Massey, laureate in Social Sciences, Leonor praised his studies on human migration, saying, “Your work helps us understand the great challenge many governments face today with migration.”

Closing her address, Leonor acknowledged that words spoken from a podium can sometimes seem empty, yet reminded the audience that, despite the world’s complexity, the essentials must never be forgotten: “Respect for others, the value of education, remembering the vulnerable — young people searching for work or a decent home, the elderly who do not wish to be alone, and children at risk of poverty. Above all,” she said, “never forget to treat others kindly, to step out of our trenches, and to shake off fear.”

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