The Royal Family attends the Princess of Asturias Awards “Peace” Gala

Oviedo, October 19 (EFE).- The Kings, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía opened their schedule in Oviedo this Thursday with a concert before the awarding of the Princess of Asturias Awards, a ceremony whose motto this year is “with a certain taste ‘peace’” in a context marked by the two wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.

The war between Israel and Hamas has significantly tightened security around the Prince Felipe Hall in the capital, Oviedo, in the presence of the royal family.

The ceremony led to the first meeting of the Kings and their daughters with the winners of the 43rd edition of the awards granted by the Princess of Asturias Foundation (FPA).

Among them are American actress Meryl Streep and Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, and only Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge was absent.

This was also the first appearance of Don Felipe, Doña Letizia, the Princess and the Infanta since last August 17, when Leonor de Borbón entered the General Military Academy in Zaragoza.

Initially, Infanta Sofía was not expected to be in Oviedo because it was a school week at the boarding school in Wales (UK) where she teaches high school, but the royal family confirmed her presence a few days ago.

The sounds of bagpipes and the applause of citizens gathered in front of the walls accompanied the arrival of the royal family, who were received by the President of the Principality of Asturias, Adrian Barbon, and the President of the FPA, Ana Isabel Fernandez. .

Inside the hall, they received other authorities, including the Mayor of Oviedo, Alfredo Cantelli.

Upon entering the box, the audience applauded the kings and their daughters, then the national anthem was played.

The Principality of Asturias Symphony Orchestra and the FPA Choir performed this year’s concert again, after dedicating the stage last year to singer Carmen Linares and dancer Maria Bagues, who had not performed together in 25 years. After receiving the Arts Award.

At the concert, “Fantasia” by Thomas Tallis and “Dona Nobis Passim” by Ralph Vaughan Williams were performed under the direction of the British Martyn Brabbins.

The heir to the throne’s presence in Asturias to participate in her fifth awards is another highlight in a month in which she has already taken the oath of office and made her first appearance at the reception at the Royal Palace on the occasion of National Day, both wearing military uniform.

Leonor de Bourbon is scheduled to culminate her intense agenda on October 31, her 18th birthday, with an oath to the Constitution before Parliament.

Tomorrow, the Kings and their daughters will hold traditional audiences at the Reconquista Hotel, including the winners, to whom the Princess will present the badge as Honorary President of the FPA.

In the afternoon, there will be a ceremony at the Campoamor Theater with the presentation of diplomas, which Queen Sofía will again follow from one of the caskets.

The Royal Family’s activities will conclude on Saturday with a visit to the Ideal City, which in this edition took place in the Dioceses of Arroz, Pion and Candanal, in the Council of Villaviciosa.