How petite Leonor, Spain’s Princess of Asturias, keeps up with not-so-little sister Sofia – and its thanks to this rather cunning strategy…
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There was an outpouring of public support for Leonor, heiress to Spain’s Bourbon monarchy, last month, when she turned 18.
An often divided nation appeared united in its support as the future queen took a solemn oath to the constitution.
No doubt the burden of expectation and office will be mixed with a few privileges along the way – and that seems to include the right to wear high heels in the company of your little sister.
Because Infanta Sofia, who at 6 feet tall is already more than two inches taller than her older sister, is now routinely seen in flats!
This is presumably to ensure that the popular 16-year-old doesn’t overshadow the future monarch, who remains hot on his heels – as these photos 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 allegiance to the Spanish constitution. Sofia is also loyal and wears flat shoes to ensure she doesn’t overshadow the older sister, who becomes queen
Leonor and her mother, right, wear heels. But Sofia is 6 feet tall and wears flat shoes again
The sisters are depicted on the confirmation day of Infanta Sofia. All eyes are on her as she dazzles in a fuchsia jumpsuit – paired with flats. Her Leonor wore blue suede espadrilles with a striking high heel
Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor both in elegant heels, while the youngest and tallest of the three compensate for the height difference in flat shoes
Here Princess Leonor looks taller than her younger sister Sofia. But it’s actually not true
There is of course a history to these things. Charles and Diana were the same height: 6 feet tall. Here Diana is wearing flats on the day she got engaged to Charles, while it is said that Charles stood on a box for their official portrait.