Sofía and Leonor's role: What is the bond of the kings after 21 years of marriage

May brings two joys for the Bourbons. One of them is the 21st wedding anniversary of King Felipe VI and Letizia Ortiz on May 22. Another joy is celebrated today, the graduation of Infanta Sofía in Wales after reaching adulthood in April. 

Sofía de Borbón graduates after completing the International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College in Wales. She does so just two days after the kings celebrate 21 years of marriage, making this academic ceremony special. Finally, Felipe VI will not attend the inauguration of Daniel Noboa, president of Ecuador, to see his second daughter receive her diploma.

The heir, Princess Leonor, will be the one who can't be present at her sister's event. The young Bourbon continues her maritime journey with the ship Juan Sebastián Elcano. However, the love between the two sisters is undeniable, with countless displays of affection and complicity in public events.

This is how Infanta Sofía's graduation will be

The academic event is called the Leavers Ceremony and will be held behind closed doors at the iconic St. Donat's Castle. The ceremony will include lunch and other events that will extend the event into the night.

From the Palacio de la Zarzuela, it has been emphasized that the graduation "is a private activity." Therefore, the broadcast will be carried out by UWC itself through a live stream on YouTube, and there will be no official images or poses. However, some may be shared, "as much as possible."

During her time at the select educational institution, the Infanta has pursued academic excellence. She has also participated in extracurricular activities such as yoga or climbing. It has even been revealed that she has opted for a balanced diet within the UWC dining service.

It is still unknown what will become of the Infanta in the coming years. Sofía, unlike her sister Leonor, has decided not to follow the family tradition of having military training.

The future of Sofía de Borbón

Sofía turned 18 on April 29 and, being second in the line of succession to the Crown, did not have an institutional celebration. She reached adulthood at the boarding school from which she is now graduating, and the next day her father awarded her the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. Although she could not celebrate this special date with her parents and sister, it is possible that with Leonor's return, they will celebrate it properly.

Currently, Princess Leonor is aboard the Spanish Navy training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. There she completes her midshipman training, having previously attended the General Military Academy of Zaragoza. However, her sister Sofía has decided that she wants to follow a different path from the one prevailing in the family tradition.

The Infanta might be interested in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The world of International Relations is also not ruled out. 

It is believed that she might pursue her next education in the United States or the United Kingdom, to keep a somewhat more private youth. It is worth mentioning that the privacy of their daughters is a sensitive matter for the kings, especially considering that some photos of Leonor in a bikini were recently published.

Indeed, Sofía and Leonor are the great connection circle between Felipe VI and Letizia Ortiz. The daughters unite the Crown and strengthen its reputation with their affection for each other and their achievements. A unity that is necessary for the Royal House in light of news such as the recent deaths of cousins Alfonso de Borbón y Escasany and Francisco de Borbón.