SPAIN’S Royal Family were beaming with pride over the weekend as the Infanta Sofia, the youngest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, graduated from a prestigious British boarding school.
The king and queen of Spain were in attendance for Sofia’s international baccalaureate graduation ceremony at UWC Atlantic College, an independent boarding school in south Wales famed for educating foreign royalty.
Based in the grounds of a 12th-century castle in the Vale of Glamorgan, the so-called ‘Hogwarts for hippies’ has become a firm favourite with the Spanish royals.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia both attended Sofia’s graduation ceremony on Saturday. Credit: Cordon Press
Leonor, the Crown Princess of Spain, attended UWC Atlantic for two years before graduating in the summer of 2023.
Leonor, 19, was unable to attend the ceremony as she continues to complete three years of military training with the Zaragoza military academy, following in the footsteps of her father.
However, she shared a video call with her younger sister following the ceremony.
The Infanta Sofia spent two years studying in south Wales to gain her international baccalaureate. Credit: Cordon Press
She also recorded a video message offering her congratulations from the Spanish navy training ship Juan Sebastian de Elcano.
The royals posted a series of photos from the event, including a video of the moment Sofia received her certificate.
At the ceremony, Sofia’s tutor told the crowd: “Sofia’s journey has been marked by her perseverance and remarkable personal growth; she has gone from being an empathetic and affectionate listener by nature to being an accredited ‘supportive companion’. A true friend in difficult times…we will miss Sofia’s warmth and vibrant spirit very much.”
UWC Atlantic College, set in the grounds of a 12-th century Welsh castle, has gained a reputation for educating foreign royals. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
UWC Atlantic College was founded in 1962 by Kurt Hahn, a German educationalist, as a practical response to the search for new and peaceful solutions in a post-war world riven by political, racial and economic divisions.
Notable alumni include King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, Princess Elisabeth of Belgium and Princess Raiyah bint Hussein of Jordan.
The Royal Family paid a total of €74,000 to cover Sofia’s two-year period of schooling.
JUDE Bellingham has been spotted enjoying a holiday in Ibiza together with his younger brother Jobe, and entrepreneur and Gary lineker’s brother Wayne.
The Real Madrid midfielder was seen at O Beach Ibiza on Tuesday, enjoying drinks and the atmosphere with his group of friends.
O Beach was thrilled to have Jude and his brother in attendance, posting a photo of the pair on their official Instagram page story @obeachibiza.
“Always a pleasure to have the boys parting @oceanbeachibiza @judebellingham @jobebellingham,” read the caption.
Wayne Lineker’s Instagram post. (Photo: @waynelineker)
Wayne Lineker also posted a photo on Instagram, hanging out with Bellingham and his friends, saying in the caption: “We’re just happy to be here”.
Finishing third-place in both the 2024 Ballon d’Or and The Best FIFA Men’s Player polls, Bellingham is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.
He made his senior debut in August 2019, at the age of 16 years and 38 days.
He signed for Real Madrid in 2023 for a fee of €103 million.
In his first season, Bellingham was the club’s top league scorer, helped them win the league title and the Champions League, and was voted La Liga Player of the Season.