Princess and prizewinners champion hope against 'darker times' at Princess of Asturias Awards

The 46th Princess of Asturias Awards celebrated hope against dark times on Friday, with a range of speakers emphasizing the importance of both individuality and collectivity in facing the uncertain future of the 21st century. Poet Patti Smith, who launched her career with spoken-word poetry, performed her song "Wing," poking fun at the idea that humans can survive without one another while championing personal freedom. Her performance garnered loud cheers from the audience and touched the streets of Oviedo.

The President of the Princess of Asturias Foundation opened the ceremony by quoting Meryl Streep, recalling the intense enthusiasm the actress displayed during her appearance surrounded by Asturian pipers. The awards ceremony was described as an echo of the voices of heroes from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Christina Koch, a recipient of the Princess of Asturias Award for Concord, challenged stereotypes about engineers with a speech designed to connect with the audience. Her selection was a call to seek unity among members of the species connected by the search for affection. British historian Timothy Garton Ash, a recipient of the Literature laureate, forcefully defended the freedoms won through academia, journalism, and the law, mentioning the International Criminal Court, which has faced fierce attacks from the Trump administration.

Julian Barnes, the Literature laureate, opened the series of speeches by referring to the renowned Spanish painter, Velázquez. He emphasized that everything has already been said, and most writers and artists have had insights as instructive as his. Rosalía, another laureate, simplified the idea by stating that everything has been invented.

King Felipe VI delivered an appraisal of democracy, emphasizing that democracy requires daily commitment, civic and demanding, and care for its forms and institutions. He sent a clear message to citizens and their political representatives, urging them to practice democracy with time and responsibility, fostering the search for the common good that balances the legitimate interests of all citizens.

Lastly, the heiress to the throne quoted the protagonist of Studio Ghibli's film, quoting Paul Valéry, enthusiastically proclaiming: "The wind rises, we must try to live!"