As the fiftieth anniversary of the restoration of Spain’s
monarchy approaches, it’s the future queen who is taking a starring
role in commemorations.

With just days to go until the country marks five decades since
royal power was restored, a new set of stamps has been released and
it’s Princess Leonor, the heir to the throne, who is front and
centre.

The Spanish post office, Correos, has released two new stamps
and Leonor, 20, is shown in close up on one of them. The other
features her father, King Felipe VI.

As it released the stamps, Correos said the new stamps
commemorate ”the monarchical institution” and ”the Crown’s
commitment to the history and future of Spain”.

The two stamps, each costing six euros, are also being sold on a
special commemorative cover which features a pencil drawing of the
front of the Congress of Deputies, chosen because it is a ”symbol
of democracy and the Constitution”.

The 50th anniversary of the restoration of the Spanish monarchy
comes on November 20 2025. The first king to reign in this modern
monarchy was Juan Carlos I who was chosen as successor by the
fascist dictator, Franco. Juan Carlos was expected to continue with
Franco’s regime but instead initiated a series of radical chances
which led to the establishment of a constitution and democracy.

However, a series of scandals led to his popularity plummeting
and he abdicated in 2014 in favour of his son, Felipe VI.

There is no stamp showing King Juan Carlos in this special set.
Instead, Correos says it is focusing on the ”members of the Borbon
and Ortiz family, current representatives of the Crown”.

King Juan Carlos now lives in exile in Abu Dhabi. He has
returned to Spain in recent days just as his memoirs,
Reconciliation, are published in France.