Princess Leonor Receives Galicia’s Highest Honor | Full Ceremony & Speech at Plaza del Obradoiro

Princess Leonor of Spain has received the Gold Medal of Galicia, the highest distinction awarded by the Autonomous Community, granted by the Xunta de Galicia. It recognizes her connection to Galicia following a year of military training at the Naval Academy in Marín and her contribution to the international reputation of that academic institution and of Galicia itself.

The Princess arrived at the Plaza del Obradoiro, where she was received by the President of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda; the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz; the President of the Parliament of Galicia, Miguel Ángel Santalices; the Government Delegate in the Autonomous Community of Galicia, Pedro Blanco; and the Regional Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Sports and Chancellor of the Gold Medals of Galicia, Diego Calvo.

After a warm welcome from the people of Santiago and the pilgrims gathered there, Doña Leonor proceeded to the Pazo de Raxoi, where the ceremony began with the National Anthem, performed by a bagpiper. The decree of the award was then read, and the President of the Xunta presented Her Royal Highness The Princess of Asturias with the Gold Medal of Galicia.

The Princess delivered a speech, in both Spanish and Galician, in which she emphasized:

“Time has passed very quickly, and after the intense months in Marín came the training cruise on the school ship and the weeks aboard the frigate. But whether in Marín or at sea, I feel that this year in the Navy has helped me to strengthen the values of honor, courage, discipline, and loyalty that define our Naval Military Academy.”

Following the Princess's speech, the National Anthem was played again, this time performed by bagpiper Marco Foxo and singer Sheila Patricia. Afterwards, Doña Leonor went to the President’s office and signed the Xunta’s Book of Honor.

The Gold Medal of Galicia, received by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Asturias, is the highest honorary distinction awarded by the Xunta de Galicia since 1984. It is given in recognition of individuals or institutions for their service to the Autonomous Community in any area of social, cultural, or economic life.

This recognition is bestowed upon the Princess of Asturias as a gesture of appreciation and respect from Galicia, acknowledging her connection with the Naval Academy of Marín and her future role as heir to the throne.