King Felipe and Princess Leonor could deliver the summer's big exclusive: Leonor's participation in the King's Sailing Cup. The MAPFRE King's Sailing Cup will be held from July 26 to August 2 in the Bay of Palma de Mallorca. The heiress, after completing her naval training on Elcano, could be of great help in the championship.
The Navy will participate with four vessels, including its flagship Aifos captained by King Felipe and three more where the princess could come aboard. This year's edition will also debut the Women's Cup with an all-female crew of military officers, an initiative full of media symbolism.
King Felipe and Princess Leonor could take the final step
If there's an unmissable event for the Royal Family, it's the King's Sailing Cup, which takes place every year in Mallorca. King Felipe keeps the family tradition and every year boards his vessel to participate in the championship. This year could make a difference thanks to Princess Leonor.
The king and the heiress could announce this summer Princess Leonor's participation in the regattas. Once her naval training is completed, the eldest daughter of the royals already has all the knowledge to be one of the crew members. Leonor has the option to join as a sailor or to become part of the all-female military crew of the Women's Cup.
King Felipe, meanwhile, has his usual participation planned aboard the Aifos, hoping to repeat a podium finish this summer. This could turn the regatta into the scene of a symbolic duel between father and daughter practicing together, although on different vessels and with shared goals.
The organizers remind that for safety reasons, it's not advisable for both to compete on the same sailboat, as confirmed by official sources. Princess Leonor already has enough experience after her naval period and would be physically and mentally prepared to face this sporting challenge.
The fact that this edition includes for the first time a female military team strengthens the possibility that Leonor may decide to participate on that boat. There is still no confirmation from Zarzuela, but the anticipation to see father and daughter competing is at its peak.
King Felipe delighted that Princess Leonor continues the tradition
Sources close to King Felipe state that he would like Princess Leonor to compete in the King's Sailing Cup. After all, it would mean continuing the family tradition that Juan Carlos instilled in his family. However, Felipe believes the decision is Leonor's alone and that she will have the final say.
Participating in an event of this nature requires commitment and a lot of involvement. This is something the heiress may not be willing to take on at 19 years old. In any case, she also has the possibility to be linked to the nautical event occasionally, such as presenting awards or inaugurating the event itself.
The Navy believes that participating in the regattas enhances naval training and provides competitive experience. Therefore, combining her naval instruction with a debut in a top-level regatta would be ideal to complete that training cycle.
If it happens, we will witness a historic fusion of monarchical tradition, sport, equality, sustainability, and military training showcased on the high seas. However, as of today, there is still no official confirmation, although sources close to the Royal Household have indicated that her participation is "very advanced."
In the coming weeks, coinciding with the close of registration, the uncertainties surrounding the crew and whether she will share the stage with her father will be solved.