There was an outpouring of public acclaim for Leonor, heiress to Spain’s Bourbon monarchy, last month when she turned 18.
An often-divided nation seemed united in its support as its future queen swore a solemn oath to the constitution.
No doubt the burden of expectation and office will be mixed with a privilege or two along the way – and that appears to include the right to wear high heels in the company of one’s little sister.
For Infanta Sofia, who at 5'7" is already more than two inches taller than her elder sister, is now routinely seen in flats!
This presumably to ensure that the popular 16-year-old does not overshadow the future monarch, who remains in heels - as these pictures show.
Birthday girl Princess Leonor of Spain, 18, walks with her 16-year-old sister Infanta Sofia on their way to a solemn ceremony in which Leonor swears loyalty to the Spanish constitution. Sofia, too, is loyal - wearing flats to ensure she does not overshadow the elder sister who will be queen
Leonor and her mother, right, wear heels. But 5'7" Sofia is in flats - again
The sisters are pictured on Infanta Sofia's Confirmation day. All eyes are upon her as she dazzles in a fuchsia jumpsuit - teamed with flats. Her Leonor wore blue suede espadrilles with a notably high heel
Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor both in an elegant heels with the youngest and tallest of the three evens out the height difference in flats
Here Princess Leonor appears to be taller than her younger sister Sofia. But it's not actually true
There is a history to these things, of course. Charles and Diana were the same height at 5'10". Here, Diana wears flats on the day she got engaged to Charles while it is said Charles stood on a box for their official portrait
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