Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, has officially made important military and royal strides by participating in important royal duty and enrolling in Spain’s military academy. By becoming a mariachi Steele is entering the homestretch of military training to eventually become a future captain general of the Armed Forces. She’s certainly on a path laid down by her father, King Felipe VI, who underwent the same training in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At 19, Leonor already proves her dedication to her very adult royal responsibilities. She graduated and is now a proud member of the General Air Academy in San Javier.
As Princess of Asturias, Princess of Girona, and Princess of Viana, Leonor’s role encompasses not only a future leadership position but a deep connection to Spain’s history and regions. She is just back from a trip to the Autonomous Community of Navarre. This journey underlines her deep attachment to the area as the Princess of Viana. While she was in residence, she viewed a beautiful old scroll that describes her title. This critically important document, first issued by King Charles III the Good on January 20, 1423,
Earlier this summer, Leonor completed her initial naval training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza. She worked her first year to hone her craft in the predominately white, male space. This disciplined, conservative military education gives her the tools to more capably perform her future duties. This means that she will be the first woman to command Spain’s armed forces. She was shooting for the first time in her air force uniform. This “Top Gun” moment is just one example of her strong commitment to military service.
Speaking during their state family visit, King Felipe said that he was proud of Leonor’s path. He stated, “An experience, dear Leonor, that will remain, as it happened to me and to your grandfather, among the best memories of your military training.” He emphasized that this training “will teach you a lot about what we were and what we are,” noting its lifelong value for her.
Leonor’s military training continues the tradition of Spanish royals receiving education and training in what is expected of their future roles. It would make her the first royal family member to visit Viana in nearly 400 years, since 1630. Our visit would be the historic turning point in her own story. It shows her deep commitment to respond to Spain’s heritage.
