Politics · Spain · 9 hrs ago
Leonor calls for hope amid uncertainty in her Asturias Awards speech
At the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards in Oviedo, Spain’s Princess Leonor gave a speech about the challenges facing young people.
She described a climate of social disillusionment, inequality and conflict, alongside worries about work, housing and the cost of living.
Leonor said these pressures can make it hard for young people to feel hopeful or plan their lives.
She argued that culture, science and knowledge can help people understand the world and keep faith in the future.
She pointed to award winners including writer Julian Barnes, the Studio Ghibli filmmakers and footballer Leo Messi as examples of work that can inspire and teach.
She also cited scientific cooperation, including the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and advances in DNA sequencing, as reasons people can work together.
Leonor closed by saying hope means standing by causes worth defending, not assuming that everything will turn out well.
Princess Leonor called for hope and trust in her speech at the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony in Oviedo.
She described young people as facing deep social disillusionment, inequality, conflict, uncertainty and difficulty planning their futures.
Leonor said the award winners’ work in culture, science and other fields can help people understand the world and trust in the future.
She presided alone over the audience with the laureates before addressing the ceremony, which was attended by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
Felipe closed the event by urging people to care for democracy through daily civic commitment.
- Who
- Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, delivered the speech. King Felipe VI also spoke at the ceremony.
- What
- Leonor called for hope and trust amid uncertainty and challenges facing young people.
- When
- Friday, 23 October 2026.
- Where
- The Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
- Why
- She addressed young people’s concerns and highlighted how the laureates’ work can help people understand the world and maintain trust in the future.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
María Zambrano received an award at the first edition of the Princess of Asturias Awards and spoke of hope to the then 13-year-old Felipe.
Leonor presided alone over the traditional audience with the award winners and presented them with their insignia.
Leonor delivered her speech at the awards ceremony in the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo.
Felipe VI closed the ceremony with a call to care for democracy.
- Event
- 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards
- Ceremony venue
- Teatro Campoamor, Oviedo
- Speech length
- 15 minutes, according to El Mundo
- Awards presented
- Eight awards to 12 recipients, according to 20minutos
- Awards edition
- 46th edition, according to Expansión
4 sources
La princesa Leonor apela a la "esperanza" ante el "desencanto social profundo"
Leonor, en los Princesa de Asturias: "Cómo afronta mi generación el desencanto, la imposibilidad de planear una vida, tener un buen trabajo, una casa..."
"Necesitamos confiar": la Princesa Leonor reivindica los problemas de su generación y recuerda que los jóvenes "nos hacemos preguntas"
Leonor reivindica la esperanza frente al desencanto: "Hay cosas que merece la pena defender"
What people are saying
The young people ask ourselves questions.
We are connected, we are condemned to understand each other.
Because yes, we need to trust.
Democracy requires a daily, civic and demanding commitment, and care for its forms and institutions.