Infanta Sofía of Spain is embarking on the next chapter of her university studies, which has revealed a surprising detail about her enrolment.
After completing her first year of a degree in Political Science and International Relations at the Lisbon campus of Forward College, a private institution affiliated with the University of London, the youngest daughter of King Felipe and Queen Letizia is embarking on her second year as a university student in Paris.
Founder and president of Forward College, Boris Walbaum, who has received an award from the Princess of Girona Foundation, revealed new details about Infanta Sofía's enrolment and admissions process in an interview with Paris Match – including the rare real name she uses while attending university. King Felipe VI's daughter reportedly did not use her status as a member of the royal family as an asset, but rather applied under her legal name, Sofia de Borbón Ortiz.
© Carlos AlvarezAs Walbaum explained, the royal went through the same process as any other applicant and had the same interviews as the rest of the students. In fact, the head of the centre himself admits that he initially didn't connect her surname, Ortiz, with Queen Letizia.
This detail reflects one of the conditions Sofía reportedly sought when choosing her university: to be able to pursue her higher education in the most normalised environment possible, surrounded by young people her own age and without her status as an Infanta determining her academic experience.
Infanta Sofia's desire for a normal education
This desire for normalcy will continue during her second year of university. Infanta Sofía will settle into the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris, a large residential complex that hosts students from numerous countries. There, Sofía will have a very different life from what one might imagine for a member of the royal family.
Her accommodation will be a single room, and she will share common areas with other young people. The university environment brings together students from dozens of nationalities, which aligns with the international nature of the degree she has chosen.
© Getty ImagesPrincess Leonor's younger sister has reportedly requested to be treated like any other student. She will also have security, although it will be particularly discreet so as not to disrupt her daily routine or make her presence too conspicuous.
All about the university
Forward College is a relatively young institution that champions an educational model different from that of traditional universities.
Founded in 2021 by Boris Walbaum, Céline Boisson, and Jeffrey Sampson, it has campuses in Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin. International mobility is precisely one of the major attractions of the program the royal has chosen. The idea is for students to spend each academic year in a different European city, an experience that allows them to combine university studies with cultural and personal immersion in different countries.
Infanta Sofía's degree is linked to the University of London and focuses on Political Science and International Relations, a training especially related to the international sphere that will foreseeably be important in her future.
New chapter
© Getty ImagesSofía has already completed her first year in Lisbon and is now beginning a new chapter in Paris. The move also represents an opportunity for her to continue building her independence away from Spain. Her arrival in the French capital also comes at a time of growing international attention to her education.
The Infanta has chosen a different university path than her sister Leonor, who continues her military training as heir to the throne.
Meanwhile, Sofía is progressing along an academic path that will eventually take her to Berlin. Three cities, three experiences, and the same degree program will allow her to gain a European and international perspective.
