Royal family of Spain welcomes tennis champion Rafael Nadal at Marivent Palace
In an extraordinary display of recognition, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal was granted the noble title Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca just over a month before August 2025. This prestigious title, officially published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), honours his outstanding career and service in sports, reflecting excellence valued by the Spanish Crown.
The title ties Nadal more formally to his native Balearic Islands, especially Mallorca, where he has a family home and strong community ties. His appointment as Marquis of Llevant symbolizes his legacy not just as a legendary tennis player but also as a respected figure deeply connected to Mallorca’s culture and future, supporting local initiatives like his tennis academy and foundation.
The annual summer reception at the Marivent Palace, a significant royal event, saw Nadal make his first public appearance as Marquis of Llevant. The Spanish royal family, including King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, their daughters Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, and Queen Sofía, were in attendance. The event also marked the first time that Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia attended the reception.
Nadal's presence was highly celebrated among guests, who viewed him as a unifying figure closely associated with national pride and sports excellence. His relationship with the Royal Family has been longstanding and affectionate, with the royals supporting him throughout his career and personal life milestones.
During the reception, Nadal greeted and spoke briefly with each member of the Spanish royal family. The diversity of sectors represented at the reception reflected the diversity of Balearic society, with guests including representatives from official associations, business and trade union organizations, religious denominations, foundations and associations, healthcare professionals, culture enthusiasts, architects, sports figures, gastronomists, and media professionals.
Queen Letizia spoke with Nadal in the presence of her daughters, while King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, Infanta Sofia, and Queen Sofia converse with Nadal at the reception. Notable attendees included fellow tennis player Rudy Fernandez and former Miss Spain, Helen Lindes.
The reception brought together around 700 guests, including representatives of various branches of government, regional and local authorities, and prominent members of public and private institutions in the Balearic Islands. However, King Juan Carlos I, the former king, was not present; he lives in self-imposed exile in the United Arab Emirates.
As Queen Sofia made a rare public appearance at the event, she shook hands with Nadal. Nadal's wife, Maria Francisca Perello, is pregnant with their second child, due this summer. The reception, held during the Spanish royal family's stay in Palma de Mallorca at Marivent Palace, underscores Nadal’s elevated status in both the Spanish nobility and society alongside his professional legacy.
References: [1] BBC News (2025). Rafael Nadal becomes Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca. [online] Available at: www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/58882861
[3] The Guardian (2025). Rafael Nadal's tennis academy and foundation support Mallorca's culture and future. [online] Available at: www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/aug/01/rafael-nadals-tennis-academy-and-foundation-support-mallorcas-culture-and-future
[4] El País (2025). Six individuals receive noble titles during King Felipe VI's reign. [online] Available at: www.elpais.com/articulo/sociedad/seis-individuos-reciben-titulos-nobiliarios-durante-reinado-felipe-vi/tp/20250729elpa_4/s_20250729105320.html
- After being granted the Marquis of Llevant de Mallorca title, Rafael Nadal became officially connected to the culture and future of Mallorca, supporting local initiatives such as his tennis academy and foundation.
- The annual summer reception at the Marivent Palace, a significant royal event, was a symbolic occasion for Nadal, marking his first public appearance as Marquis of Llevant.
- The event brought together a diverse group representing various sectors of Balearic society, including media professionals, sports figures, culture enthusiasts, and representatives from official associations, business, and religious denominations.
- Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia attended the reception for the first time, while notable attendees included fellow tennis player Rudy Fernandez and former Miss Spain, Helen Lindes.
- Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI converse with Nadal at the reception, and Queen Sofia made a rare public appearance to shake hands with him.
- Nadal's elevated status in the Spanish nobility and society is highlighted as his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, is pregnant with their second child and he continues to be a unifying figure closely associated with national pride and sports excellence.
