A smiling young woman with light brown hair and a light blue jersey is outdoors with a background of vegetation and stone sculptures. — Infanta Sofía, younger sister of Princess Leonor, turns 18 on April 29 | Redacción

Camara — Infanta Sofía, younger sister of Princess Leonor, turns 18 on April 29 | Redacción

The new photos of Infanta Sofía for her 18th birthday: natural, smiling, and without jewelry

The youngest daughter of the royals reached adulthood far from home, in the midst of an unusual context in Spain

29/04/2025 09:55:00h

Editorial Team

Infanta Sofía turned 18 on April 29 and, as a tribute, the Royal House released five official portraits taken in the gardens of the Palacio de la Zarzuela. In the images,the youngest daughter of Felipe VI and Letizia posed smiling, without jewelry and with a classic style, conveying an image of simplicity and naturalness.

She wore a light blue masculine-cut jersey with rolled-up sleeves and navy blue pants, styled with a middle part and soft waves. She wore no earrings or visible accessories, a detail consistent with the discreet role she keeps within the Royal Family.

These photographs, possibly taken during the Easter holidays, reflected the institutional desire to present her as a relatable figure, in contrast to the public exposure of her sister, Princess Leonor.

A young woman with long, light brown hair, dressed in a light blue jersey, is sitting in an outdoor setting with vegetation in the background, smiling in both images.

Infanta Sofía reaches adulthood | Redacción

A celebration at a distance and in a unique context

Infanta's birthday coincided with a complex moment in Spain:a massive blackout that affected the Iberian Peninsula and forced the kings to modify their agenda. Felipe VI presided over the National Security Council in Madrid alongside President Pedro Sánchez, and canceled his visit to Jaén for the anniversary of its capital status.

Sofía, meanwhile, remained in Wales, where she is about to complete the second year of the International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College. From there, she celebrated her coming of age, away from her family. Leonor continues her training aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano and won't return to the country until July, so the family celebration was postponed.

Three elegantly dressed women walk together at a formal event.

Queen Letizia of Spain, along with Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía | Redacción

A future yet to be defined, without military training

Although Sofía has so far shared the same educational path as Leonor,she won't follow her steps in military training. As planned, she won't join the Army or undergo the basic military training that her older sister will complete at the Air Academy in Murcia.

Infanta hasn't yet confirmed which university career she will choose, although options related to international studies, engineering, technology, or mathematics are being considered. In any case, her role as a silent and essential support for the future queen will remain.

Sofía's path, although more reserved, has begun to be clearly defined as she transitions into adulthood.

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