The Spanish Ambassador, José Pascual Marco, presented the distinction to Donellan, thanking him for his work and promotion of Spanish theatre in the United Kingdom. Through Cheek by Jowl, a company founded with his partner Nick Omerond, Declan Donellan has staged important pieces of Golden Age theatre, such as 'La Vida es Sueño (Life is a Dream)', a production made in conjunction with the Compañía Nacional de Teatro Clásico (National Classical Theatre Company), which in 2023 was presented at the Barbican Centre in London and the Edinburgh International Festival.
The Royal Order of Isabel la Católica recognizes individuals and institutions for their work in promoting international relations in collaboration with other countries.