Two royal teens graduated from high school over the weekend. In Italy, Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands’ youngest daughter Princess Ariane graduated from UWC Adriatic, while in the UK, Queen Letizia and King Felipe of Spain’s second, child Infanta Sofia, received her diploma from UWC Atlantic.
Maxima and Willem-Alexander attended their 18-year-old daughter’s graduation ceremony on May 24. A photo of the Dutch King and Queen proudly posing with the graduate, as well as a solo shot of Ariane, was shared on Instagram. “Princess Ariane has completed the exams for the International Baccalaureate at the United World College Adriatic,” the post was captioned (translated to English). “Today the school marks the end of the exam period with the traditional Graduation and Academic Year Closing Ceremony. The results of the exams are expected at the beginning of July.”
Ariane, who is third in line to the Dutch throne, began her studies at the school, located in the village of Duino, in 2023. Her older sister Princess Alexia also previously studied at a UWC school: UWC Atlantic. Alexia and Spain’s Princess Leonor both graduated from the school in Wales in May of 2023.
Leonor’s younger sister followed in her footsteps by attending the same school, which Sofia graduated from on May 24. Proud parents Letizia and Felipe were present for their younger daughter’s graduation ceremony.
As Sofia, 18, made her way to the stage to collect her diploma, a teacher said, “Your journey has been marked by determination and personal growth, evolving from a naturally empathetic and affectionate listener to a trained peer listener. A true friend in times of need. Sofía’s warmth and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed.”
While her big sister Leonor, who is currently sailing on board the Juan Sebastián de Elcano training ship, did not attend the ceremony in the UK, a touching video tribute featuring sweet moments between the royal siblings was shared. According to Casa de S.M. el Rey, the Princess of Asturias wanted to be present in some way through a compilation video, which ended with a personal message from Leonor to Sofia.
“Hi Sofia, I can’t be there in Wales today to be with you on your graduation day, but I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you,” Leonor said in the video message, translated to English. “I’m so proud of you, and we’ll see you back home soon to celebrate. Enjoy it and lots of kisses!”
The Princess of Asturias also congratulated her younger sister via video call after Sofia’s graduation ceremony on Saturday. It’s been reported that Sofia won’t be undergoing military training like her older sibling. HOLA! Spain previously reported that Sofia considered joining the army and taking a helicopter pilot course, but has ultimately decided to pursue a university degree. Sources close to the family told HOLA! Spain that the idea is for Sofia to go to a university abroad, probably in the U.S. Letizia and Felipe’s younger daughter has reportedly applied to several schools, one of which is believed to be in Washington.
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