Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Who Is Infanta Sofía of Spain?
- Early Life and Royal Family Background
- Education in Spain and Wales
- University Life in Lisbon and Paris
- Her Hobbies, Sports and Personal Interests
- Infanta Sofía’s Growing Role in the Spanish Royal Family
- Her Relationship With Princess Leonor
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
Introduction
Infanta Sofía of Spain is the younger daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia and the younger sister of Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne. Born on April 29, 2007, Sofía has grown up in the public eye while maintaining a considerably more private profile than her older sister.
In 2026, her life is entering an important new stage. After completing her International Baccalaureate education at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, she began studying political science and international relations at Forward College. Her first university year was spent in Lisbon, Portugal, and she is moving to Paris for the 2026-27 academic year.
Although she is second in the line of succession, Sofía has increasingly started to develop her own identity within the Spanish monarchy. She has already undertaken solo institutional engagements and is gradually becoming more visible in the public life of the royal family.
Her interests are also remarkably broad. Reports have associated her with sports, photography, music, cooking, cinema, theatre, ballet, technology, nature, and science fiction. She is particularly known for her enthusiasm for sports and her interest in creative and cultural activities.
Who Is Infanta Sofía of Spain?
Infanta Sofía de Borbón y Ortiz is the second daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. She was born in Madrid on April 29, 2007, at Ruber International Hospital. Her full name reflects her Spanish royal family heritage, while her title “Infanta” is traditionally used for daughters of the monarch who are not heirs.
Her immediate family consists of the following:
- King Felipe VI, her father
- Queen Letizia, her mother
- Princess Leonor, her older sister
- Infanta Sofía, herself
Sofía occupies the second position in the line of succession to the Spanish throne, directly behind Princess Leonor. Her position would change only if the succession circumstances involving her sister changed. Unlike Leonor, however, Sofía is not being prepared to become queen under the current succession arrangement. This distinction has influenced their education and responsibilities.
A different path from her sister
Princess Leonor has completed extensive military education because, as heir to the Crown, she will eventually become constitutional commander-in-chief of Spain’s Armed Forces. Sofía has followed a different route. Reports in 2025 indicated that she considered military education but ultimately chose university studies instead. Her current academic path focuses on political science and international relations. This gives Sofía greater freedom to develop an individual educational and professional profile.
Early Life and Royal Family Background
Sofía grew up at the Spanish royal family’s residence in Madrid alongside Princess Leonor. Although the sisters have different constitutional positions, they received many similar educational opportunities while growing up. Their parents placed considerable emphasis on education, languages, sports, cultural activities, and personal responsibility.
Growing up with Princess Leonor
Sofía and Leonor have frequently appeared together at family events. Public photographs have shown their close relationship during:
- National celebrations
- Family holidays
- School milestones
- Royal ceremonies
- Sports events
- International visits
Spanish media have often described Sofía as having a close relationship with her sister and as being supportive of Leonor’s increasingly demanding role.
Her personality
Reports about Sofía often describe her as energetic, humorous, sociable, and spontaneous. She has also been characterised as independent and curious. A profile published by ¡HOLA! highlighted her interest in technology and digital subjects, as well as reading, music, cinema, theatre, photography, ballet, and art. Her personality has sometimes been contrasted with Leonor’s more formal public image. Sofía generally appears relaxed during family events and has developed a reputation for having a lively sense of humour.
A private childhood
Despite being a member of the Spanish royal family, Sofía’s childhood was relatively protected. Her parents attempted to provide both daughters with an education and upbringing that included ordinary experiences alongside royal responsibilities. This included learning practical skills such as cooking and taking responsibility for personal tasks. Her time at boarding school later gave her an even greater degree of independence.
Education in Spain and Wales
Education has played a central role in Sofía’s development. She initially attended Santa María de los Rosales School in Madrid, the same school previously attended by Princess Leonor. She later followed her sister to Wales, where she attended UWC Atlantic College.
UWC Atlantic College
Sofía began at UWC Atlantic College in 2023, after completing her studies in Spain. The school is an international boarding institution where students from many different countries study together. The experience gave Sofía an opportunity to live away from the Spanish royal family and experience a more independent lifestyle. Reports noted that she integrated successfully into the school community and shared everyday experiences with students from different backgrounds.
A diverse academic environment
The UWC curriculum includes academic subjects as well as broader activities.
Students can participate in the following:
- Community service
- Sports
- Creative activities
- Arts
- Music
- Theater
- International programs
For Sofía, this environment was particularly useful because it combined academic learning with independence. She was not simply studying abroad. She was living in a residential environment, sharing spaces with other students and learning how to manage everyday responsibilities away from home.
Her own identity
The Wales experience also helped Sofía establish an identity separate from her sister. Although Leonor had attended the same school before her, Sofía developed her own friendships, interests, and experiences. Reports have emphasised that the younger royal was able to enjoy a relatively normal student experience at the international college.
University Life in Lisbon and Paris
One of the biggest developments in Infanta Sofía’s life in 2026 is her university education. After finishing at UWC Atlantic College, Sofía chose to study political science and international relations at Forward College. Her first year was based in Lisbon, Portugal. By August 2026, reports confirmed that she was preparing to move to Paris for the next stage of her degree.
Why Lisbon was important
Sofía’s first university year gave her another opportunity to live independently. According to reporting published around her 19th birthday, she lived in a university residence in Lisbon and shared common facilities with students from more than 20 nationalities.
Her routine included the following:
- University classes
- Independent study
- Social activities
- Sports
- Exploring Lisbon
- Spending time with fellow students
Reports also described her participation in activities such as surfing and yoga.
A more independent lifestyle
Her university experience is considerably different from life at the Zarzuela Palace. In Lisbon, Sofía could experience university life in a more ordinary environment. She could walk around the city, meet students from different countries, participate in university activities, and experience Portuguese culture. That independence is important because she is preparing for adulthood while remaining a member of the Spanish royal family.
Moving to Paris in 2026
For the 2026-27 academic year, Sofía is moving to Paris. Forward College operates across multiple European locations, and her degree includes study in different cities. Reports state that she will begin her second year in Paris in September 2026. Her Paris curriculum includes subjects connected with politics and international affairs, such as:
- Democracy and political systems
- International relations
- Political research methods
- Society and technology
- Comparative political studies
This international education fits naturally with Sofía’s future position within the Spanish royal family.
Her Hobbies, Sports and Personal Interests
Infanta Sofía is known for having a wide range of hobbies. Unlike some members of royal families who have one clearly established public interest, Sofía appears to enjoy many different activities.
Sports
Sport is one of her strongest reported interests. Over the years, she has been associated with:
- Football
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Horse riding
- Skiing
- Sailing
- Padel
- Badminton
- Water polo
- Climbing
Spanish media have described her as highly competitive and enthusiastic about sport. Football was particularly important to her when she was younger. More recently, reports indicate that her interests have broadened to include several other sports.
Photography
Photography is another significant interest. Her first solo institutional engagement was particularly appropriate because it involved the Objetivo Patrimonio. Concurso de Fotografía Infanta Sofía, a photography competition held at the Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid. She presided over the awards ceremony in December 2024, marking her first official engagement without her parents or sister. This was an important moment because it connected one of her personal interests with her public role.
Music and violin
Sofía learned to play the violin at school. Her musical tastes are broad and include contemporary artists as well as classical and instrumental performers.
Reports have mentioned artists including the following:
- Harry Styles
- Rosalía
- Ozuna
- Ara Malikian
Cinema and science fiction
Sofía is also reported to have a strong interest in cinema. Science fiction is particularly associated with her. She has reportedly enjoyed films from the Star Wars franchise and Dune. Her interest in Dune was even reflected in her choice of pseudonym when she participated in the anonymous selection process for UWC Atlantic College.
Cooking
Cooking is another hobby frequently mentioned in profiles of Sofía. She has reportedly developed strong practical cooking skills and enjoys spending time in the kitchen. Her interest in cooking is notable because it is a very ordinary, practical activity that contrasts with her formal royal responsibilities.
Nature and animals
Sofía has also been described as having a strong connection with nature and animals. She reportedly enjoys outdoor activities and has an affection for animals, including the family dog. Her interest in nature also connects with her sporting activities, particularly hiking, climbing, sailing, and other outdoor pursuits.
Infanta Sofía’s Growing Role in the Spanish Royal Family
Although Sofía is not the heir, her public role is gradually becoming more visible. The most important sign of this development has been her increasingly independent institutional agenda.
Her first solo engagement
On December 13, 2024, Sofía undertook her first solo official engagement. She presided over the presentation of the photography awards at the Royal Collections Gallery in Madrid. The occasion was significant for several reasons.
It demonstrated that she could do the following:
- Represent the Royal Family independently
- Speak publicly
- Host an institutional ceremony
- Interact with participants
- Support a cultural initiative
- Manage a formal public event
Her role is developing gradually
In February 2026, reporting indicated that Sofía had assumed her first honorary presidency, supporting the Docentes Referentes programme of Fundación Ibercaja. This represents a gradual expansion of her public responsibilities. Rather than receiving the same role as her sister, Sofía is developing her own profile. Her education in political science and international relations could also become useful for future institutional work.
Supporting the Crown
Sofía’s role may become increasingly important as Leonor’s responsibilities grow. As future queen, Leonor will have the central constitutional role. Sofía, meanwhile, can support the institution through selected public engagements, cultural projects, charitable initiatives, and international activities. Her position allows her to contribute without carrying the same constitutional burden as the heir.
Her Relationship With Princess Leonor
The relationship between Infanta Sofía and Princess Leonor is one of the most closely watched aspects of the younger royal’s life. The sisters have grown up together while following similar but increasingly different paths. Leonor is the heir. Sofía is second in line.
Different responsibilities
Their differences became especially visible after they left school. Leonor began three years of military education across Spain’s armed forces. Sofía chose a university education instead. This reflects the constitutional difference between their positions. Leonor must prepare for her eventual role as head of state and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. Sofía does not have the same requirement.
A supportive relationship
Despite their different paths, public appearances often show the sisters sharing a close relationship. They have attended family events together, supported each other at important milestones, and spent holidays with their parents and grandmother. Spanish media have frequently described Sofía as a source of support for Leonor. Their relationship is likely to remain important as Leonor’s public responsibilities continue to increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Infanta Sofía of Spain?
Infanta Sofía is the younger daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia and the younger sister of Princess Leonor. She was born on April 29, 2007, and is second in the line of succession to the Spanish throne.
2. How old is Infanta Sofía in 2026?
Infanta Sofía turned 19 on April 29, 2026.
3. Where does Infanta Sofía study?
Sofía studies political science and international relations at Forward College. She spent her first university year in Lisbon and is moving to Paris for the 2026-27 academic year.
4. What are Infanta Sofía’s favourite hobbies?
Her reported interests include sports, photography, cooking, music, cinema, theatre, ballet, nature, animals, and science fiction. She has also played the violin and enjoys a wide range of sports.
5. Does Infanta Sofía have royal duties?
Yes. Although her role is less extensive than Princess Leonor’s, Sofía has begun undertaking independent institutional engagements. In 2024, she completed her first solo engagement, and in 2026 she took on an honorary presidency connected with an educational programme.
Infanta Sofía of Spain is entering an increasingly important stage of her life in 2026.
Conclusion
As the younger daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia and second in line to the Spanish throne, she occupies a unique position within the Spanish royal family. Unlike Princess Leonor, she does not have the same constitutional responsibilities as heir, allowing her to follow a more independent educational and professional path.
Her education reflects that freedom. After studying at Santa María de los Rosales and UWC Atlantic College in Wales, she chose political science and international relations at Forward College. Her first university year in Lisbon gave her valuable independence, while her move to Paris in 2026 begins another international chapter.
Outside academics, Sofía has a wide range of interests. She enjoys sports, photography, music, cinema, cooking, nature, and science fiction. Her enthusiasm for sport is particularly notable, with football, tennis, skiing, sailing, horse riding, climbing, volleyball, and other activities appearing in reports about her interests.
Her public role is also changing. Her first solo engagement in 2024 marked an important milestone, while her 2026 honorary presidency demonstrated that she is gradually taking on more institutional responsibilities.
Sofía’s future is therefore likely to combine education, personal interests, international experience, and carefully selected royal duties. While her older sister prepares directly for the Spanish throne, Sofía is developing her own identity within the monarchy. Her independence, international education, broad interests, and growing public confidence suggest that she could become an increasingly visible member of the Spanish royal family in the years ahead.
References
- Casa de S.M. el Rey: Official information about the Spanish Royal Family and Princess Leonor.
- ¡HOLA!: Coverage of Infanta Sofía’s education, hobbies, university life, and developing public role. (¡HOLA!)
- ¡HOLA!: Profile of Sofía’s personality, interests, sports, music, cinema, and education. (¡HOLA!)
- ¡HOLA!: Coverage of Sofía’s UWC Atlantic College experience. (¡HOLA!)
