Having just returned from her honeymoon, Spain's new princess is already making good on her promise to throw all her energy into royal life. Letizia Ortiz accompanied her new husband to the picturesque village of Yesa on Thursday, where the couple presided over a cultural awards ceremony.
While the former journalist is generally known as the Princess of Asturias, she also received the title Princess of Viana when she married Felipe. And it was in this capacity that she attended the Prince of Viana awards presentation in the province of Navarre.
At Leyre Monastery a suitably regal setting had been prepared, with two red velvet "thrones", each topped with a pair of carved eagles, placed side by side for the newlyweds. The atmosphere was relaxed rather than formal, however, with the couple laughing and holding hands affectionately across the space between them.
The prince praised the work of this year's winner, architect Fernando Redón, and emphasised the importance of culture in a free society. "The nation that sows culture always reaps progress and liberty," he said.
Afterwards the crown prince and his wife headed on to the monastery's church where they made a traditional floral offering. The future queen of Spain, who was dressed in a sharply tailored red suit, also received her first bunch of flowers in her new role. Felipe looked on with a proud smile as Letizia chatted with the little girl who gave her the blooms. |
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