Spain's Crown Princess Leonor Completes Rigorous Three-Year Military Training

Crown Princess Leonor of Spain has officially completed her three-year military training, which she began in August 2023, preparing for her future role as the supreme commander of the Spanish Armed Forces and queen. The completion ceremony took place at the Air Force General Academy in San Javier, Murcia, with her parents, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and her sister, Infanta Sofia, in attendance. During the ceremony, King Felipe VI awarded Leonor the Air Excellence Decoration with a white ribbon in recognition of her achievement.

Throughout her training, Leonor served in all three branches of the military: the Army, Navy, and Air Force, culminating her studies at the Air Force Academy. Her experience included a six-month deployment aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano, solo flights in a Pilatus PC-21 trainer aircraft, flying an F-5 fighter jet, and a joint training flight with her father. Notably, she became the first female member of the Spanish royal family to complete a military parachuting course.

Colonel Luis Felipe González Asenjo, commander of the academy, praised her dedication, determination, courage, and ability to face challenges, highlighting her full integration with her peers and her role as a pilot who brings honor to the academy. Although she has completed her training, her official officer ranks will be granted in July 2027 alongside her cohort.

Looking ahead, Princess Leonor will begin studying political science at Carlos III University in Madrid this September, balancing her academic pursuits with her official duties as a member of the Spanish royal family.