Prince and Princess of Asturias present the Infanta Sofía to the Virgen de Atocha

Prince and Princess of Asturias present the Infanta Sofía to the Virgen de Atocha
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By h.b. - Sep 19, 2007 - 12:31 PM

The Prince and Princess of Asturias, with the Infanta Sofía, being welcomed in Atocha by the Cardinal Archibishop of Madrid, Antonio María Rouco Varela - Photo EFE

The Virgen de Atocha was procliamed the protector of the Spanish Monarchy by King Felipe IV in 1642

The Prince and Princess of Asturias were on time at the Virgen de Atocha Basilica today, taking the Infanta Sofia to fulfil one of the oldest traditions of the Spanish Royal Family.

Doña Letizia wore the same white dress she did when Sofia was baptised earlier. The child will be five months old in ten days time.

The Atocha Virgin is the Patron of the city of Madrid and was proclaimed the protector of the Spanish Monarchy by King Felipe IV in 1643. Since then it is the tradition of the Spanish Royal Family to visit her to ask for her blessing and protection. They were welcomed by the Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio María Rouco Varela.

It’s the third time the Prince and Princess have visited the virgin, doing so previously with the Infanta Leonor in June 2006, and also on the day of the marriage on May 22nd 2004. Other members of the Royal Family have also followed the tradition.

The Infanta Sofía is presented to the Virgen de Atocha by her parents - Photo EFE

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