**Spanish Royals Celebrate Princess Sofía’s Graduation from Welsh School**
The King and Queen of Spain made a discreet visit to Wales this weekend, marking a significant milestone for their youngest daughter. Princess Sofía, 18, completed her studies at UWC Atlantic College, an internationally renowned boarding school situated within the historic walls of St Donat’s Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The royal couple’s appearance at the graduation ceremony was understated yet affectionate. Photos shared by Casa de S.M. el Rey, the official royal household, captured the family on Sofía’s special day. Both the princess and her mother, Queen Letizia, saw fit to mark the occasion in matching vibrant red attire — Sofía in a striking one-shoulder jumpsuit, and the Queen in a sharp, red suit. King Felipe VI complemented their looks with a light checked suit and a colourful tie, ensuring the family stood out amongst the student congregation.
UWC Atlantic College has garnered a reputation for attracting pupils from across the globe, including members of royal families. Princess Sofía’s elder sister, Princess Leonor, Princess of Asturias, also attended the same college, setting a familial precedent. Leonor, currently 19, is now immersed in the rigours of military training, preparing for her future role as commander-in-chief of Spain’s armed forces. Despite her demanding schedule, she sent her sister a heartfelt video message from aboard the Spanish navy training ship, Juan Sebastián de Elcano. The video, shared alongside a gallery of images documenting the sisters’ journey over the years, highlighted the close bond between them.
Affirmation of the college’s unique ethos comes from the commendations of Sofía’s tutors, one of whom described the princess as a “supportive companion” and “a true friend in difficult times”, adding that her “warmth and vibrant spirit” would be sorely missed within the school community. The establishment’s tradition of nurturing students from diverse circumstances has long been a hallmark. According to reports, UWC Atlantic prides itself on its mixed intake, with half of its students paying full fees and the remaining securing their places via scholarships. Remarkably, a significant portion of the student body each year consists of refugees, ensuring a melting pot of cultures, experiences, and backgrounds.
The college has an illustrious history of educating international figures, including King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Princess Raiyah of Jordan. Notably, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan attended the school through a scholarship, further attesting to the transformative role the college plays across social strata.
When news first broke of Princess Sofía’s enrolment at Atlantic College, questions were raised regarding the costs involved. The two-year International Baccalaureate programme came with a reported fee of £66,000 — a figure that drew as much comment for its exclusivity as for the opportunities it offers. The institution itself is often described as “the best kept secret in education”, holding a firm belief in the power of uniting young minds from dramatically contrasting lifestyles.
The royal family’s choice to share glimpses from the graduation on social media underscores a modern approach to monarchy, offering both transparency and relatability. The photos and video messages, warmly received by followers, convey a sense of familial pride and solidarity that transcends royal duty.
Princess Sofía’s graduation not only marks an academic achievement but also the close of a chapter set in rural south Wales, far from the glare of Spanish royal palaces. The event highlights both personal growth and the school’s ongoing mission to foster interconnection across continents and cultures.
As the princess prepares for whatever comes next, her time at Atlantic College stands as a testament to the enduring value of international education — a conviction evidently shared by the Spanish royal family.
This moment in Wales, quietly witnessed by royalty, will no doubt linger fondly in the memories of students and staff alike, as well as in the annals of the college’s distinguished history.