Princess Leonor has taken a firm step that puts her relationship with King Juan Carlos I in a complicated situation. The heiress wants to lead a life as far away as possible from her paternal grandfather and she has just shown it. Leonor has publicly declined to follow in the emeritus's footsteps, something he desired above all else, leaving him with no options.
Summer is the best time to enjoy free time, and the princess, after months away from her loved ones, already has her own plans. These are plans where Juan Carlos doesn't seem to have a leading role, judging by the latest news about Leonor.
Princess Leonor keeps her distance from Juan Carlos I
Princess Leonor and King Juan Carlos I were expected to be the main protagonists of this summer. After the heiress's time in the Navy, it was desired that grandfather and granddaughter would meet in Galicia. The emeritus wanted it this way, combining his presence in Sanxenxo with Leonor's arrival, which he would use to instill his passion for regattas in her.
However, Princess Leonor has had enough and has refused to fulfill King Juan Carlos's wish to go see him. The summer buzz in Galicia promised a historic photo: King Juan Carlos among regattas in Sanxenxo and his granddaughter Leonor disembarking after months of training. But the heiress has kept her distance and refuses to meet her grandfather this summer in Galicia, despite the emeritus's desire to see her.
King Juan Carlos hoped to instill his passion for regattas in the princess, something he already did with his son Felipe. However, Leonor doesn't seem enticed by the idea of sharing this same desire with the emeritus. Not only because the heiress doesn't feel the call of the waves, but rather to keep her distance from Juan Carlos.
Also because, at almost 20 years old, after a long journey on Elcano, what Princess Leonor wants now are other plans. These are plans where she can enjoy time with her loved ones and have the opportunity to surround herself with her friends.
Princess Leonor's vacation far from King Juan Carlos I
The media had been speculating for days about the meeting in Galicia between Princess Leonor and King Juan Carlos I. With the spotlights ready, that meeting didn't take place with the heiress in Marín and it doesn't look like it will happen soon.
Especially after Leonor's summer plans for these dates have come to light. After July 23, when she will preside with her family over the Princess of Girona Awards in Barcelona, Leonor will swap her uniform for flip-flops in Mallorca. Marivent Palace will be the summer base where the family photo is expected, audiences, and her possible debut in the King's Sailing Cup.
After that, the classic private getaway of the royals will take place, with the destination kept secret; last year they ended up being caught in Queen Máxima's Greek villa. If there's time, Leonor will reserve a few days at the end of August to unwind with friends, as she did before entering the Naval School. On September 1, the Air Academy in San Javier awaits her, the third stage of her military training.
As can be seen, in this summer itinerary of Princess Leonor, there's no room for King Juan Carlos I, not even when he set foot in Sanxenxo last July 13. The emeritus had to settle for seeing Infanta Elena, while the princess refused to see him. This decision reflects Leonor's desire to enjoy a relaxed summer, far from the public agenda and her grandfather's presence.