Princess Leonor holds a central place in the Royal Household as heir to the throne of Spain. Her training has been carefully planned to ensure that, in the future, she can effectively fulfill the role of head of state. Since she began her time at the military academies, she has followed a path designed to prepare her for the institutional responsibilities she will assume as future queen.
This process is not merely symbolic. Military training ensures a direct connection with the Armed Forces, one of the key constitutional functions of the Crown. In addition, it strengthens her public image as a figure committed to duty and service to the country.
Completes a key stage in her military training
The Princess of Asturias has recently completed her training at the Marín Naval School. This stage is considered one of the most demanding within military training. For several months, the princess sailed aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano.
While on board, Leonor traveled thousands of nautical miles in a highly demanding environment, accompanied by 130 other students. Last Sunday, she disembarked at the Torpedoes Dock in Pontevedra, marking the end of a journey that strengthens her preparation as future Captain General of the Armed Forces.
At the ceremony held today, the princess swore allegiance to the flag, in a symbolic moment she shared with both national and international classmates. Among the participants were cadets from Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Ecuador.
The ceremony was presided over by King Felipe VI, alongside Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía. During the event, the royal employment commissions were also presented to the new midshipmen. Among them was Leonor herself, who has been promoted to the rank of second midshipman.
A recognition that symbolizes effort and continuity
As the culmination of this training stage, Princess Leonor has received the Grand Cross of Naval Merit with white insignia. This recognition is awarded to those who stand out for their commitment and merits in the military field.
King Felipe VI personally presented the distinction to his daughter. He himself received this recognition in 1987, after completing his naval training as Prince of Asturias. This presentation reinforces the parallel between the two and projects an image of dynastic continuity and institutional responsibility.
The decoration is not only a symbolic award, but also recognizes her commitment to a military career, personal achievement, and fulfillment of her duties as heir to the throne. This type of distinction also helps consolidate her position within the structure of the state.
Defense Minister Margarita Robles was the one who proposed the award to the Council of Ministers, which officially approved the recognition this very week. The event was conducted with solemnity and in the presence of the Navy's high command.
It's official now: Leonor appears in the BOE
The Royal Household has confirmed what can already be read in the Official State Gazette (BOE). Princess Leonor has been officially decorated following the deliberation of the Council of Ministers on July 15. The news, published this very Tuesday, is official and closes this stage with full honors.
The text of the royal decree highlights her status as a midshipman and the merit she acquired during her training. The document was signed by both the king and Minister Robles, providing public record of this institutional step.
The direct precedent, as noted by the BOE itself, is that of the current monarch, who received this same cross under identical circumstances. This way, Leonor's training follows the same path set by her father in his youth.
The heir will now continue her preparation in the Air and Space Force. In September, she will join the General Air Academy in San Javier (Murcia), where she will complete her third year of military training. There, she will do so as a Student Second Lieutenant, as part of the new class for the 2025-2026 academic year.