Infanta Elena, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Madrid
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Duchess of Lugo among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a credible source, Duchess of Lugo Infanta Elena is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the princess' fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 18/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Infanta Elena for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 61-year-old princess, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Infanta Elena so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the princess have already been named ‘Spaniard Of The Year’ by some major Spanish newspapers and even ‘Madrid Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Madrid (Infanta Elena's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the princess was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Infanta Elena Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 17 Dec 2025
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveElena”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 17 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Infanta Elena?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 17 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Infanta Elena?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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