Arrival in Llanes

On Saturday, 24 October, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia arrived in Llanes, Asturias, together with Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, to present the Pueblo Ejemplar de Asturias 2026 award. El País reported that the royal party arrived around 12:30, about half an hour later than the official schedule. They were received by bagpipers, dozens of onlookers and local authorities, including the mayor, minister Luis Planes and the president of the Principality of Asturias. Before starting a walk through the town, the four royals paused to greet residents and take selfies with the crowd. The monarchs smiled at people waiting for them and gave time to neighbours during the arrival. El País also noted that Leonor and Sofía have accompanied their parents on these engagements since 2019.

The award and the guild

The award went this year not to the municipality itself but to the Cofradía de Pescadores Santa Ana de Llanes, an institution that El País dates back to 1350. The act of the jury, dated 1 September, credited the guild for its work on sustainability, innovation, solidarity, study and dissemination of fishing culture, and for the efficiency of its management model. The jury act added that the prize also recognises all fishermen's guilds and the people who belong to them. The foundation's rules allow recognition of 'human groups' that stand out for conserving their environment, heritage, economic and social initiatives or solidarity, a category the guild fits. Casa Real says the guild keeps artisanal and coastal fishing traditions alive, promotes responsible use of marine resources and supports ocean conservation. Its work includes beach clean-ups, awareness workshops and aid for families in need. The award carries 40,000 euros, according to La Razón.

Traditions on the programme

The Llanes stop closes the royal family's stay in Asturias for the Princess of Asturias Awards, El País reported. The awards ceremony at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo on 23 October came before the visit to Llanes. During the morning the royals were touring the town to see its dances and traditional costumes, the fish auction and the canning industry. El País described the morning as devoted to the town's seafaring history and to the people who keep that legacy alive. La Razón reported that the royals watched the traditional 'El Pericote' dance during the visit.

Clothing during the visit

Attention also turned to the royals' clothing. La Razón described Leonor in a khaki parka by Mango, a cotton oversize model with a funnel collar, worn with a navy top, wide jeans and camel ankle boots. The same outlet described Letizia in a white shirt, a beige cardigan, wide jeans, brown ankle boots and a matching gabardina. At the Oviedo ceremony the Queen had worn a black sustainable dress, La Razón reported.