On Wednesday, Infanta Sofia of Spain took her first communion with her classmates, joined by her family – including King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and the former King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia – and her godfather.
Sofía, the second daughter of the Spanish King and Queen, received the sacrament of the Eucharist at the Assumption of Our Lady of Aravaca church in Madrid. A student of the Santa Maria de los Rosales primary school, the Infanta wore her navy and grey school uniform with rosary beads around her neck and a plaited bow in her hair. She reportedly had her first confession before Easter.
Locals turned out to see the Royal Family and celebrate this important step in the life of a young Catholic; press were only allowed entrance and exit photos of the Royals, but the public were eager to see their Royal Family, lining the fenced perimeter of the church.
The family group who came to be part of Sofía’s important day were her mother, father and paternal grandparents, plus her maternal grandparents, Paloma Rocasolano (wearing white, centre) and Jesús Ortiz (far right) as well as her great-grandmother, Letizia’s own grandmother Menchú del Valle (striped blazer), and the Infanta’s godfather, Prince Konstantin of Bulgaria (centre).
Sofía said she was ‘happy’ to receive her first communion to reporters and photographers.
Leonor, Princess of Asturias and heir to the Spanish throne, took her first communion two years ago in a similar ceremony with her classmates. Spanish Royals have traditionally taken their first Communion alone at the Palacio Real in Madrid.
Following the ceremony, Sofía and her family went to the Palace of the Zarzuela to celebrate the event with a private lunch.
