The Princess of Asturias Awards 2026, live | The Kings and Princess Leonor arrive at the award ceremony at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo

The 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony is taking place at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo, attended by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their daughters. This year, the awards honor figures like Patti Smith, Julian Barnes, and Leo Messi, among others. The event began with a performance of the Spanish national anthem and features speeches from the royal family. The awards, established in 1981, have recognized 482 individuals and institutions, with only 74 women among the recipients. The ceremony includes a procession of bagpipers and the presentation of sculptures by Joan Miró. The event highlights the contributions of various laureates across eight categories, including Arts and Sciences.