European royals: Spain’s Infanta Sofía turns 18, with new photos released to mark the occasion

Spain’s royal family is celebrating the 18th birthday of Infanta Sofía.

The young royal’s milestone has been marked with the release of a series of stunning new photos.

The Spanish royal household has published the photos on their official Instagram account alongside the caption: “Images of S.A.R. the Infanta Sofía, who is now of age.”

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The photos have been taken on the grounds of Zarzuela Palace, one of the royal family’s residences in Madrid.

Infanta Sofía is styled casually in the photos, with her long hair in gentle curls. Her makeup is minimal. She is wearing a light blue shirt and navy blue trousers for the occasion.

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The royal will reportedly celebrate her birthday in Wales in England where she is currently studying for her International Baccalaureate at at UWC Atlantic College.

Infanta Sofía is the youngest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Their eldest daughter, and heir, Princess Leonor, is 19.

Princess Leonor completed her military training upon turning 18, as next in line to Spain’s throne.

As second in line to Spain’s throne, Infanta Sofía has more freedom when it comes to her future.

There are no plans for Infanta Sofía to enter military training, according to the royal household, which stated, “Regarding next year, several options are still being considered.”

She is due to graduate from UWC Atlantic College on May 24, following two years of studies.

Infanta Sofía of Spain carried out her first solo engagement in December 2024, attending the Museum of the Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid.

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Sofía attended the museum for the first edition of the Objetivo Patrimonio Concurso de Fotografía Infanta Sofía awards.

Her visit was particularly impressive as she is younger than most royals who undertake their first solo engagements.

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Both Prince William and Prince Harry were 23 when they attended their own solo engagements.

Infanta Sofía’s appearance was in line with the Spanish royal family. In fact, Princess Leonor was just 15 when she carried out her first solo engagement in 2021.

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Both Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía are are styled as Royal Highnesses. In Spain, only the next in line to the throne of the country takes on the title of Princess.

Her full title is Royal Highness Infanta Dona Sofía.

King Felipe took the throne of Spain in 2014 following his father King Juan Carlos’ 39-year reign.

He and wife Queen Letizia have carefully educated their daughters on royal life, regularly including them at official events and teaching them what it takes to be a working royal.

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