Else Beekman
Madrid’s Wax Museum has unveiled a new figure of Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne. The new statue marks one of the most significant moments in her public life: her oath to the Constitution and her coming of age. This updated sculpture replaces a previous version and has been highly anticipated by visitors.
The ‘Museo de Cera‘ in the Spanish capital is celebrating its 53rd anniversary and chose to honour the princess with a lifelike waxwork that captures her evolving role within Spain’s social and institutional framework. On her 18th birthday, Leonor swore allegiance to the Spanish Constitution before the country’s highest authorities. Her proud parents, King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and her younger sister, Infanta Sofía were witnesses of this important moment. Moreover, this crucial event is now immortalised in wax.
A detailed representation
The new wax figure is crafted by a multidisciplinary team and is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. The princess is portrayed wearing a sophisticated white two-piece suit, mirroring the ensemble she wore during her constitutional oath. Every element, from her hairstyle—a simple ponytail—to the accessories she donned, has been carefully replicated.
One of the most striking aspects of the figure is the Order of the Golden Fleece (Toisón de Oro) displayed on the left side of her suit. This prestigious honour symbolises her status within the Spanish monarchy and adds authenticity to the sculpture. Additionally, the figure includes square-heeled shoes in an off-white shade, reflecting the princess’s elegant yet modern style.
A time-intensive process
Creating a new and totally handmade, wax figure is a demanding task that takes approximately six months. Cristina Placeres, Head of Marketing and Communication at the Madrid Wax Museum, recently revealed in an interview with SEMANA magazine that the cost of each figure ranges between €20,000 and €30,000. This includes extensive research, sculpting, and final touches to ensure a faithful representation.
The last update to Princess Leonor’s wax figure was in 2014. Meanwhile, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s figures were last renewed in 2022, showcasing not only their facial changes but also the latest significant outfits they have worn. At this moment, the Wax Museum shows only three members of the Spanish Royal Family.
The making of a wax figure
The creation of a wax figure begins with gathering detailed photographs from all angles to define the most representative pose. “If it were a writer, they would be depicted writing,” explains the museum. The initial sculpture is crafted in clay, but sculptors must consider the properties of wax, as it shrinks and contracts.
Once the clay model is complete, a silicone mold is created. Hot wax is then poured in layers, allowing it to solidify gradually. The heads are not solid, as this would make later modifications, such as inserting eyes and teeth, difficult. When the wax is fully set, artists paint it with oil-based paints, and glass teeth are added to enhance realism. “They look real,” the museum notes.
Modern technology has streamlined this process, with digital scanning now assisting in taking precise measurements—a significant improvement over the past when measurements were taken manually with a tape measure.
The Wax Museum in Madrid is open daily. Visiting hours: 11.00 am – 7.00 pm (Ticket office closes at 6.00 pm).
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