A symbolic and strategic choice
The choice of the name of the first daughter of Kings Felipe VI and Letizia, Leonor, has generated speculation and has been the subject of debate in public opinion. According to the chronicler specialized in royalty, Jaime Peñafiel, this election was not simply nominal, but had significant family and strategic implications within the Spanish monarchy.
Initially, King Felipe VI had the intention of calling his first-born Sofia, in honor of his mother and with the idea of maintaining the name in future queens. However, Letizia, with her influence in the final decision, changed her husband’s original plans.
Letizia’s influence
As revealed by Peñafiel, Letizia did not want her daughter to bear the name of her mother-in-law, with whom she had a distant relationship. In addition, Letizia expressed her desire to prevent there from being another Queen Sofia on the throne, thus marking a clear break with existing family traditions.
Letizia’s pressure was decisive and she finally managed to impose the name Leonor for her first-born. This change not only reflected a personal decision by Letizia to establish her own identity and that of her eldest daughter, but was also interpreted as a strategic move within the Spanish monarchy.
Debate and future
Peñafiel’s revelation about the name originally planned for Princess Leonor and its modification by Letizia has generated debate about the internal dynamics of the Spanish royal family. Some interpret this episode as a reflection of the tensions between Letizia and Queen Sofia, while others see it as a strategy by Letizia to consolidate her position within the royal house.
Furthermore, the possibility of Leonor resigning her position or abdicating in the future has been raised due to the controversies surrounding the royal family. This could affect Letizia’s plan, since her youngest daughter would become the new Queen Sofia.