Queen Sofia Receives the Golden Fleece from Her Son, King Felipe VI

Queen Sofia Receives the Golden Fleece from Her Son, King Felipe VI

Madrid, November 21, 2025. In a solemn ceremony held in the Throne Room of the Royal Palace of Madrid, King Felipe VI of Spain awarded his mother, Queen Emeritus Sofia, the highest honor of the Kingdom — the Order of the Golden Fleece. This prestigious event took place as part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the Spanish monarchy after the death of Francisco Franco and served as a tribute to the queen's lifelong contribution to the nation and the strengthening of the Crown.

In an emotional speech, King Felipe VI praised his mother's "exemplary service and loyalty to Spain and the Crown" throughout her life. "Your life is an example of support for King Juan Carlos I in his timely and correct choice in favor of democratic openness and freedom," the monarch emphasized while addressing his mother. He noted that Queen Sofia’s figure forms part of the "affective memory of democratic Spain," and her closeness and engagement in social, cultural, and humanitarian spheres have strengthened ties with several generations of Spaniards. Despite being 87 years old, Sofia continues active public work, including international trips.

The ceremony, attended by around a hundred guests including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, and leaders of autonomous communities, was filled with the warmth of a family moment. Queen Sofia, wearing an elegant pink suit by designer Alejandro de Miguel, entered the hall to the sound of violins, smiling and greeting those present. When Felipe VI placed the insignia of the Order — a golden fleece on a red ribbon — upon her, she did not hide her emotion, and the room erupted in applause after their exchange of kisses. With Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía in attendance, the moment symbolized continuity and unity within the royal family.

The Order of the Golden Fleece, established in 1430 and recognized as one of the oldest chivalric orders in the world, is awarded for exceptional merit to Spain. On the same day, former Prime Minister Felipe González received the honor for his role in democratization and European integration, as well as the "Fathers of the Constitution" — Miguel Herrero y Rodríguez de Miñón and Miquel Roca i Junyent — for their efforts in reinforcing the constitutional order and promoting peace in society.

In his address, King Felipe VI also touched on current challenges, calling for a spirit of dialogue and consensus during times of "tension and disagreement," recalling the values of the Transition. The absence of King Juan Carlos I at the ceremony was noted as a personal decision, although his role in the democratic transition was repeatedly acknowledged.

This ceremony inaugurates a series of events commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Spanish monarchy and highlights its role as a stabilizing force in society. The Royal Household confirmed that Sofia remains an active family member, continuing to represent Spain on the international stage.