Protocol in events featuring deaf signers: unveiling the personal signs of Their Royal Highnesses Leonor and Sofía of Borbón.

Abstract

This article captures the historic act of presenting the personal signs of Their Royal Highnesses the Princess of Asturias, Doña Leonor de Borbón Ortiz, and her sister, the Infanta Doña Sofía. The event of bestowing a personal sign upon such esteemed figures marked a milestone in the history of the Deaf community, as it represented significant recognition by endowing them with a unique and personal identity, akin to a baptism. The genesis of the event where the royal signs-names were presented encountered significant challenges and gaps in terms of organization and protocol due to its unique characteristics. It was an event whose hosts and a large portion of attendees were Deaf individuals who use Spanish Sign Language. This uniqueness necessitated rethinking, designing, and anticipating circumstances that are uncommon in ceremonies and public events attended by authorities and representatives subject to protocol precedences. The absence of scientific literature necessitated the provision of a series of solutions regarding event production, protocol staging, and its particularities. This work aims to serve as a guide and orientation for other researchers and/or protocol professionals who find themselves in similar situations, allowing them to discover our experiences, the challenges encountered, the solutions provided, and to become acquainted with the Deaf community.