Infanta - Definition and Overview

In the Spanish and former Portuguese monarchies, Infante (masc.) or Infanta (fem.) is the title given to a son or daughter of the reining monarch who is not the heir-apparent to the throne.

Although the name derives from "infant," it does not refer to the prince or princess's age.

Note that infante is also used for a hereditary title of nobility as in los infantes de Carrión in The Lay of the Cid.

The current infantas of Spain are Elena and Cristina, daughters of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía; their brother, Felipe, is heir-apparent to the throne and therefore Prince of Asturias.

See also

• Spanish monarchy
• Portuguese monarchy
• Prince
• Crown Prince
• Infanta, Quezon, a Filipino village named after "infant Jesus".