King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia, and Infanta Sofia joined the Princess of Asturias in Oviedo this week to preside over the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards, to deliver a series of prizes to individuals, entities or companies from around the world who make notable achievements in the sciences, humanities, and public affairs.
The Princess of Asturias was joined by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia, and Infanta Sofia for the Princess of Asturias Awards Ceremony at the Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, where the Princess of Asturias presented the prizes and gave a speech to award the scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanitarian work carried out by people, institutions, groups of people or institutions in the international field, they are awarded in eight categories: Arts, Letters, Social Sciences, Communication and Humanities, Scientific Research and Technique, International Cooperation, Concord and Sports.
The Princess of Asturias wore Queen Sofia’s Ruby Earrings.
The Awards went to:
- Princess of Asturias Award for the Arts 2026 to American singer and writer Patti Smith.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities 2026 for the Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Scientific and Technical Research 2026 to British chemists David Klenerman and Shankar Balasubramanian and French biophysicist Pascal Mayer.
- Princess of Asturias Award for International Cooperation 2026 for the Global Seed Vault in Svalbard.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Social Sciences 2026 to British historian, journalist and essayist Timothy Garton Ash.
- Princess of Asturias Award for to Argentine footballer Leo Messi.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Letters 2026 to the British writer Julian Barnes.
- Princess of Asturias Award for Concord 2026 to the American astronaut Christina Koch.
Established in 1980, the Princess of Asturias Foundation is a private non-profit institution, whose objectives are to contribute to the exaltation and promotion of how many scientific, cultural and humanistic values are universal heritage and consolidate their links to the Principality of Asturias.
Spanish Fleur-de-Lys Tiara
Spanish Floral Tiara
Prussian Diamond Tiara
Queen Victoria Eugenie’s Cartier Pearl Tiara
Queen Maria Christina’s Loop Tiara
Mellerio Shell Tiara
Ansorena Fleur de Lys Tiara
The Joyas de Pasar
Queen Letizia’s Aquamarine Earrings
Sapphire Drop Earrings
Queen Victoria Eugenie’s Diamond Earrings
Queen Victoria Eugenie’s Diamond Bracelets
Queen Victoria Eugenie’s Diamond Rivière
Queen Sofia’s Wedding Necklace
Queen Maria Cristina’s Pearl Brooch
