Spain's Crown Princess Leonor turns 18 and is feted as the future queen at a swearing-in ceremony
The heir to the Spanish throne has sworn allegiance to the Constitution on her 18th birthday, laying the groundwork for her to become queen when the time comes MADRID -- The heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor, swore allegiance to her country's Constitution on her 18th birthday Tuesday, laying the groundwork for her eventual succession as queen when the time comes. The nationally televised ceremony in the lower house of parliament is understood to symbolize the continuity of Spain's parliamentary monarchy and the institution’s allegiance to the chamber. Leonor de Borbón Ortiz recited the same oath as her father did when he — then prince — turned 18 in 1986. She pledged “to faithfully carry out my duties, to keep and uphold the Constitution and the laws and respect the rights of citizens and the autonomous communities and loyalty to the king.” The ceremony was necessary for her to be able to succeed to the crown and someday become queen. Leonor became crown princess wh...