Princess Leonor has recently completed her training at the Marín Naval Military School in Pontevedra, thus closing a demanding stage in her preparation as future head of state. During this last course, the heir to the throne has shown her commitment and discipline by embarking on the iconic training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano. Later, on the war frigate Blas de Lezo, she had two key experiences in her maritime training.
Leonor's performance has been widely praised both inside and outside the military institution. With this background, many have speculated about the possibility of seeing Leonor participating in the 43rd edition of the Copa del Rey MAPFRE in Mallorca.
On board the Aifos, the boat with which King Felipe VI competes every summer. However, as the competition progresses, Leonor's absence hasn't gone unnoticed. Why hasn't she joined the event? Is it simply a personal decision or is there something more?
The royal family has taken a measure to protect Princess Leonor
To answer this question, the magazine SEMANA spoke with María José Gómez y Verdú, a renowned expert on the royal family. She offered a clear explanation based on Spanish monarchical tradition.
"Historically, protocol establishes that the monarch and their heir shouldn't participate together in high-profile public activities. Especially those that involve some risk, such as regattas," she explains. This unwritten rule seeks to ensure the continuity of the Crown in case any unforeseen incident occurs.
As the expert points out, King Felipe never sailed with his father, Juan Carlos I, in official competitions, precisely for this reason. Although nautical sports are a deeply rooted tradition in the Borbón family, the rules prevail over any personal or family desire.
Leonor can't break the royal family's rules
Therefore, no matter how prepared Princess Leonor is, her joining the Aifos seems, for now, ruled out. If she were to embark with her father, she could never make it public because she would be breaking the protocol established by the royal family.
However, the heir to the throne isn't required to disappear completely from the Mallorcan nautical scene. Nothing prevents Leonor from attending the Real Club Náutico as a spectator, showing her support for her father and her interest in this type of event.
At least officially and as a crew member, it's most likely that we won't see her board the king's boat. Because, even if she has the training, there's something that weighs more: the rules are royal.