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🇦🇷 Argentina /Culture & Society

Hugo, Princess Leonor’s classmate: “They want her to be just another student”

From Clarín · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Princess Leonor began a political science degree at Madrid’s Carlos III University after three years of military training.
  • Her arrival drew extensive media attention, but university officials and classmates said they were encouraged to treat her normally.
  • Students described Leonor as somewhat nervous but calm, while noting that security and public attention could limit relationships outside class.

Princess Leonor began her first day at a public university under the full glare of cameras, with classmates saying the aim is to make her feel like any other student. Spain’s heir to the throne has started a political science degree at Carlos III University of Madrid, where she is expected to study for four years.

As far as protocol is concerned, they told us it would be completely normal, and that they would try to make the princess just another student.

· Hugo ValdelviraA classmate explained how university officials asked students to treat Princess Leonor normally.

Her arrival at the Getafe campus attracted journalists and generated strong interest inside and outside the university. Rector Ángel Arias and other academic authorities welcomed her as she joined university life for the first time after three years of military training at the academies of Spain’s three armed forces.

The university’s protocol guidance, according to classmate Hugo Valdelvira, called for a routine approach. “As far as protocol is concerned, they told us it would be completely normal, and that they would try to make the princess just another student,” he told COPE.

She seemed a little nervous, which is normal in the end with so many cameras, but very calm. It is a beautiful degree, so she should enjoy it.

· JaviA fellow student described Leonor’s demeanor on her first day.

Another student, Javi, said Leonor appeared slightly nervous, which he attributed to the number of cameras around her. He said she should take her time and enjoy the degree. A student who spoke to Lecturas described her first minutes on campus as calm, saying she greeted people and the dean naturally.

This university is amazing. She is going to have professors who are all very good and professional. We are all very happy that she is here.

· Hugo ValdelviraValdelvira praised the university and welcomed Leonor’s arrival.

Valdelvira welcomed Leonor’s arrival and praised the university’s teaching staff, saying students were happy she had joined them. But the student quoted by Lecturas also questioned how far ordinary relationships could extend beyond the classroom, given the security measures and attention surrounding the princess.

It was the media boom at the university today. We welcome her and hope she settles in.

· Unnamed studentA student speaking to Lecturas described the attention surrounding Leonor’s arrival.
About this summary

Originally published by Clarín in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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