Prince of Asturias Awards 1981–2014. Speeches

3 P rince of A sturias A wards 1981-2014. S peeches Speech VI In presenting these Awards here today, awards which are now in their sixth edition, I wish to bring to mind that this is the first time that I do so so after having taken the oath in the Spanish Parliament, as heir to the Crown, on my coming of age. This is an important circumstance that links me even further to the obligations that derive from my condition as Prince of Asturias and increases the responsibilities that are incumbent on me within the institution of the Monarchy. This institution is characterized by its continuity and permanence; it transcends individuals and must rise above transitory and circumstantial situations on both the national and international level. If, on the national level, the Monarchy must exert itself in fulfilling its constitutional mission for all the people of Spain, then internationally it should spread its feelings of fellowship and desires for peace to all the nations of the earth, maintaining the most amiable relations with them. This generality, this broad and generous point of view, which is consubstantial to the institution in which I am to serve Spain, must stand apart from limited or variable political concepts in order to form part of the grand, immutable feeling of harmony and peace, the permanent values of art and culture as a whole and in their most outstanding and valuable representations. For me, the Prince of Asturias Awards are satisfying for this reason; it is precisely because they bear my name and represent what I do within the Monarchy that they must be separated from concrete political issues in order to refer to these other universal principles that pay no heed to constraints of time or space. The desire for friendship on the part of the Crown, to whose succession I am called and which I share intensely, goes out —as I have just said— to all the nations of the world. Nevertheless, the relationship between Spain and the countries of Ibero-America is an especially pronounced one and, on many occasions, these countries have been the recipients of the Prince of Asturias Awards. In this regard, Iwould like to recall the recent words ofHisMajestyTheKingwhen, at theAssembly of the United Nations Organization, he emphasised that our integration in the European Economic Community enriches rather than lessens Spain’s relationship with the countries of America. Within a short time, I will find myself aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano on the high seas that were once crossed by Spaniards eager to discover new lands, new worlds and go beyond the limits of what was then known. Those of you who receive these Awards today also symbolise the effort to chart a new course, to carry out new conquests, to extend the limits of culture, art, social communication, science, literature and cooperation between Spain and the countries of Ibero-America, joined together by a common language and so many spiritual bonds. I am proud of this Asturias, with its tradition of emigration, many of whose children have taken their work, love and efforts to American soil. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Laureates and I invite the young people of my generation to take your labour and dedication as an example. Nations would not progress spiritually or materially if it were not for individuals like those distinguished here today, individuals who transcend difficulties, open up new ground and elicit feelings of emulation. My thanks to the members of the Juries for having wisely fulfilled the task of discerning the best. Thank you as well to this Foundation that is managing to convey the name of Asturias along the path of culture —which these Awards symbolise—, to the most far-off corners of the world and which once again provides me with this magnificent opportunity to be in this beloved land, with you all. “Nations would not progress spiritually or materially if it were not for individuals like those distinguished here today.” Watch video