In the year At the 2024 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony, Princess Leonor delivered a speech marked by a message of hope and progress in the face of “doubt and despair”. Reciting a poem by Joan Manuel Serrat, the princess began her speech by quoting one of the Catalan singer-songwriter’s poems: “About September, before the cold came, they bought their tickets for the train of hope.” With this phrase, he delivered an inspiring message to both the winners and the audience at the Campoamor Theater.
Singer-songwriter and composer Joan Manuel Serrat will receive the Princess of Asturias Art Award from Princess Leonor during the ceremony. Photo:
Ballesteros/EFE.
In a strong voice, Leonor gave some personal words to each awardee, and in her eulogy she highlighted the values of effort, dedication and perseverance they represent. One of the most emotional moments of the night was the delivery. Princess of Asturias Sports Award for badminton player Carolina Marin. The native of Huelva is known as “the best player in the history of badminton in Spain and one of the best in the world” as well as “an inspiration and transmitter of values on and off the court”.
Carolina Marie, Princess of Asturias, was welcomed with her mother. Photo: RTVE
“Fight for what you want and don’t give up if something doesn’t go right,” the princess said in her first official speech, which emphasized the merits of winners, with a quote from Serrat that inspires optimism and resilience. Today is a great day and tomorrow can be too. With these words, she reaffirmed the importance of finding reasons for hope in difficult times, as she herself said, “there is always a crack through which the light can enter.”
Princess Leonar’s speech was appreciated by those present for its friendly tone and connection to the Spirit of Asturias Awards, which honors efforts and excellence in various fields worldwide.
