Today, there's genuine joy in the Royal Household. The reason is none other than a significant step taken by Princess Leonor, both institutionally and personally. She has made history by docking in Ceuta aboard the frigate Blas de Lezo, on which she is embarked as part of her training in the Navy.
This gesture hasn't gone unnoticed. First, because it's her first visit to the autonomous city. Second, because she has become the first member of the Royal Family to visit since 2007, which gives her presence enormous symbolic weight.
It's undoubtedly a day of special significance for the Crown and for the city of Ceuta. It's also meaningful for the local residents, who see in this act a reaffirmation of institutional commitment to the territory.
The Royal Household, happy, about Princess Leonor's presence in Ceuta
Princess Leonor's arrival in Ceuta has been a major event. Although the ceremony was sober, the moment was full of symbolism. The frigate docked this morning in the port to the rhythm of the pasodoble La Banderita, a piece commonly played at Spanish military events.
The visit carries great political and symbolic weight. Not only because it marks Leonor's first step on Ceuta's soil, but also because no member of the Royal Household had set foot there since 2007. At that time, those present were the now emeritus monarchs, don Juan Carlos and doña Sofía.
This new presence of a member of the Royal Family reaffirms the country's unity. Meanwhile, it highlights the princess's role as the future head of state.
For security reasons and due to the special diplomatic sensitivity with Morocco, access to the dock was restricted for the media. Even local authorities, invited to a brief reception on board, were instructed not to take photographs under any circumstances.
After disembarking, Leonor was transported in a military convoy to the García Aldave barracks. There, she took part in a traditional Legionary Saturday, an internal and solemn ceremony. Her presence at this type of event reaffirms her involvement in military training and her closeness to the Armed Forces.
Princess Leonor's military training advances steadily
Princess Leonor is completing her year of training in the Navy aboard the aforementioned frigate, one of the flagship vessels of the Spanish fleet. This stage is part of the plan set by the Royal Household for the heir to go through the three branches of the military: Army, Navy, and Air Force. That's why, in September, she will continue her instruction at the Air Academy in San Javier, Murcia.
During her stay on the frigate, the princess is sharing a cabin, maneuvers, and routines with the rest of the midshipmen. Her role isn't symbolic, but real. She takes part in exercises, trains in navigation, and lives day to day like any other member.
The stop in Ceuta is part of a broader route through various Spanish port cities. Her time in the autonomous city has a different nuance, given the historical and geopolitical significance of this territory. The heir to the throne's presence has been interpreted as a message of unity, institutional support, and closeness to Ceuta's citizens.