The Princess of Asturias Foundation is a non-profit private institution whose essential aims are to contribute to extolling and promoting those scientific, cultural and humanistic values that form part of the universal heritage of humanity and consolidate the existing links between the Principality of Asturias and the title traditionally held by the heirs to the Crown of Spain.

HM King Felipe VI has been the Honorary President of the Foundation since its creation in 1980. Following his proclamation as King of Spain on 19th June 2014, HRH Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz, Princess of Asturias, is now the Honorary President of this institution which annually convenes the Princess of Asturias Awards.

Aimed at rewarding the scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanitarian work carried out at an international level by individuals, institutions or groups of individuals or institutions, they are granted in eight categories: the Arts, Literature, Social Sciences, Communication and Humanities, Technical and Scientific Research, International Cooperation, Concord and Sports.

The Awards are presented at a formal ceremony held each year at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo.

The Awards Ceremony is considered one of the most important cultural events on the international calendar. Throughout their history, the Awards have received recognition from a variety of sources, such as the UNESCO declaration in 2004 acknowledging their extraordinary contribution to the cultural heritage of humanity.