Can an American Marry Princess Leonor of Spain and Become the King of Spain?

The question of whether an American can marry Princess Leonor of Spain and become the King of Spain is a complex one, rooted in the constitutional and legal framework of the Spanish monarchy. To understand the implications, we need to delve into the historical and contemporary rules governing the succession and titles within the Spanish royal house.

Princess Leonor and Her Inheritance

Princess Leonor, the eldest child of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is currently styled as a Princess of Asturias. Upon the abdication of her father or her own ascension to the throne, she would inherit the position of Queen Regnant, which means she would become the reigning monarch. The Spanish constitution, established in 1978 after the death of Franco, is clear on this matter, stating that the throne can be occupied by a monarch of either sex.

Marriage and Titles

If an American were to marry Princess Leonor, he would not automatically become the King of Spain. Under the current Royal Decree 1368/1987, the spouse of a reigning Queen does not inherit the kingship. Instead, the American would hold the title of Prince Consort of Spain or Duke of whatever, depending on the local laws and royal wills.

Historical Precedents

The role of the consort in the Spanish royal family is not new. In the 19th century, the husbands of reigning Queens of Spain also held the title of King, but they did not rule under the title of King of Spain. This tradition has evolved over time, with the current Spanish constitution explicitly stating that the Queen consort or the consort of the Queen may not assume constitutional functions, except in the case of a regency where a young heir is under 18.

Regency and Constitutional Functions

In the event of the reigning Queen's death, if her successor is under 18, the ex-prince consort would serve as a Regent, but held only in a legal and administrative capacity. The regent would need to be a Spanish citizen to fulfill this role, thus precluding an American from becoming a regent in this manner.

Future Considerations

At the moment, Princess Leonor is 13 years old. If she were to marry now, she would be advised to wait until she is an adult and more capable of making such a life-changing decision. The Princely couple’s choices must conform to the doctrina (principle) del menor, which mandates the well-being and best interests of the minor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while an American could marry Princess Leonor of Spain, the title and role of King of Spain would remain out of his reach. He would hold the title of Prince Consort or a similar honorary title, but not the kingship. The path to the Spanish throne for a foreign national, should one wish to pursue it, remains limited by the Spanish constitutional structure and the legal stipulations surrounding the monarchy.

For more information, consult the Spanish Royal Family Manual of Normalization of Family Rules or further research on Spanish political and legal frameworks.