Infanta Elena and Princess Aiko: Women in Royal Succession

The Spanish monarchy's succession rules have historically sidelined female royals in favor of male heirs. Following the 2014 abdication of King Juan Carlos, the throne passed to his youngest child and only son, Prince Felipe VI, due to the constitutional order of primogeniture.

This transition resulted in the removal of Felipe VI's older sisters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina, from official royal duties. While Infanta Cristina was involved in legal controversies regarding financial crimes, Infanta Elena maintained her titles and the trust of the King, occasionally performing official missions on behalf of the crown despite being excluded from the core royal circle.