Spain’s Future Queen Princess Leonor Completes Historic Three-Year Military Training Across Army, Navy, Air Force
Spain’s Future Queen Princess Leonor Completes Historic Three-Year Military Training Across Army, Navy, Air Force
Spain’s Future Queen Princess Leonor Completes Historic Three-Year Military Training Across Army, Navy, Air Force
Spain’s future queen, Princess Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz, has completed a historic three-year military training programme, becoming one of the most prepared heirs to the Spanish throne in modern history.
The 20-year-old Crown Princess successfully completed training with Spain’s Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force, following a demanding programme designed to prepare her for her future constitutional role as commander-in-chief of the Spanish Armed Forces.
Princess Leonor, the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, began her military journey in 2023 at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, where she received training with the Spanish Army. Her first year focused on military discipline, leadership, field exercises, weapons training, and the values expected of future officers.
After completing her Army training, she joined the Spanish Navy, where she studied at the Naval Military Academy in Marín and participated in a traditional naval voyage aboard the famous training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano.
During the voyage, which lasted about five months and crossed the Atlantic Ocean, Princess Leonor trained alongside fellow naval cadets, gaining practical experience in navigation, maritime operations, leadership, and life at sea.
Her final phase of military education took place at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier, Murcia, where she trained with the Spanish Air and Space Force.
During her aviation training, Princess Leonor completed two solo flights aboard the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, a modern training aircraft used by Spain’s military pilots. She also successfully completed a basic military parachuting course, adding another qualification to her military record.
On July 10, 2026, King Felipe VI personally presented his daughter with the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit, one of Spain’s highest military distinctions, recognising her commitment, discipline, and achievements during her training.
Preparing for the Spanish Crown
Princess Leonor’s military education follows a long tradition in Spain, where members of the royal family receive military training due to the monarch’s constitutional role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
As the first child of King Felipe VI, Leonor became heir presumptive to the Spanish throne from birth. She is expected to become Spain’s next monarch after her father, making her the country’s first future reigning queen since Queen Isabella II, who ruled from 1833 until her abdication in 1868.
If she ascends the throne, Princess Leonor would assume the role of head of Spain’s Armed Forces, making her military preparation a key part of her future responsibilities.
From Royal Duties to Academic Life
Following the completion of her military training, Princess Leonor is set to continue her academic journey by studying Political Science at a university in Madrid, further preparing her for the responsibilities of leadership, diplomacy, and public service.
Her education combines military experience, academic studies, and royal duties — a path designed to prepare her for a future role at the centre of Spain’s constitutional monarchy.
Princess Leonor’s journey marks a significant moment in Spanish history, as she represents a new generation of leadership and the possibility of Spain welcoming its first reigning queen in more than 150 years.
Spain’s Future Queen Princess Leonor Completes Historic Three-Year Military Training Across Army, Navy, Air Force
