Princess Leonor completes three-year military training across Spain

By Yusuf İnan | Wise News Press

SAN JAVIER, SPAIN — Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, completed her three-year military training across Spain’s army, navy and air force during a ceremony at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier.

The 20-year-old Princess of Asturias received the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit with white distinction from her father, King Felipe VI, marking the end of a training program that began in August 2023. Queen Letizia, Infanta Sofía and Defence Minister Margarita Robles also attended the ceremony.

Although the event marked the formal conclusion of Leonor’s full-time military education, she did not receive her permanent officer commissions at the ceremony. Those commissions — lieutenant in the army and air force and ensign in the navy — are expected in July 2027, when the cadets from her original class complete their programs.

Three years of military education come to an end

Leonor began her military education on August 17, 2023, when she entered the General Military Academy in Zaragoza as an army cadet.

The specially structured program took her through all three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces. She spent her first year with the army, her second with the navy and her final year with the Air and Space Force in San Javier, Murcia.

The training is considered an important part of her preparation for her future constitutional role. The Spanish monarch serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, meaning Leonor is expected to understand the organisation, command structures and operational culture of each military branch before eventually succeeding her father.

King Felipe VI completed a comparable military education before becoming monarch, including training at the San Javier academy.

King Felipe presented the aeronautical honour

During the July 10 ceremony, King Felipe placed the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit with white distinction on his daughter’s uniform.

Leonor then joined her family in the reviewing stand rather than returning to formation with the graduating officers. The academy presented commissions to 110 students completing their officer training, while Leonor’s formal commissions will be issued with the rest of her original class in 2027.

Colonel Luis Felipe González Asenjo, director of the academy, praised Leonor’s conduct, integration, determination and willingness to face difficult challenges during her time in San Javier.

He described her as an aviator who had earned the respect of the academy through her effort and commitment.

King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía congratulated Leonor after the decoration was presented. The ceremony also included military honours, ground and aerial displays and a tribute to fallen service members.

Army and naval training preceded the air force stage

Leonor’s first year was spent at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, where she received instruction in discipline, leadership, physical readiness, field operations and the foundations of army command.

She moved to the Naval Military Academy in Marín in August 2024. During that stage, she joined a training voyage aboard the historic sailing ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, crossing the Atlantic and Pacific as part of an extended practical deployment.

The naval phase included life at sea, navigation, watch duties, seamanship and participation in naval exercises. She also spent time aboard the frigate Blas de Lezo before completing the second year of the program.

On September 1, 2025, Leonor entered the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier for the final stage of her military education.

The three-stage structure allowed the future monarch to experience the daily operations and traditions of Spain’s land, maritime and air forces rather than specialising in only one branch.

Leonor completed solo flying and parachute training

During her year with the Air and Space Force, Leonor trained on the Pilatus PC-21 aircraft and completed her first solo flight in December 2025.

She also flew an F-5 military training jet at Talavera la Real Air Base in Badajoz and took part in a joint training flight with King Felipe in June 2026.

Leonor became the first member of the Spanish royal family to complete a military parachuting course. Neither her father nor her grandfather, former King Juan Carlos I, completed that particular training during their own military education.

Her final year included flight preparation, simulator work, aviation safety, military command instruction and physical training alongside other academy students.

The academy’s director said the program had been demanding but highlighted Leonor’s courage, strength and eagerness to learn.

Wildfire tragedy changed the tone of the ceremony

The graduation event took place as Spain mourned the victims of a devastating wildfire around Los Gallardos in Almería province.

At least 12 people had been confirmed dead and 23 remained missing as emergency teams continued search and firefighting operations. Some victims were reportedly caught by rapidly changing flames while trying to flee the affected area.

A minute of silence was observed during the San Javier ceremony. King Felipe expressed condolences to the families of those killed and support for people still waiting for information about missing relatives.

He also thanked the emergency services, the Military Emergency Unit and air force personnel involved in fighting the wildfire.

The royal family cancelled the traditional celebratory toast held after the military ceremony as a sign of mourning. They briefly greeted attendees but did not remain for the usual celebration.

The decision gave the event a more restrained tone, combining recognition of Leonor’s military milestone with national mourning for the wildfire victims.

Military uniforms will remain part of her public role

Completing the three-year program does not mean Leonor will permanently stop wearing military uniform.

As the future head of state and eventual commander-in-chief, she may continue appearing in the uniforms of different service branches during official ceremonies, national commemorations and military events.

Her formal officer commissions are due to be presented in July 2027, once her original promotion group completes the standard training timetable. Until then, the San Javier ceremony represents the end of her continuous academy education rather than the final conclusion of every military appointment.

The program followed the broader preparation designed for the heir to the throne, combining military education, constitutional responsibilities, international representation and future academic study.

Political science studies will begin in Madrid

Leonor’s next educational stage will take place at the public Carlos III University of Madrid, where she will study for a four-year bachelor’s degree in political science at the Getafe campus.

The curriculum also includes law, economics, sociology, history, humanities and international relations. She was admitted through the process used for students who completed their secondary education abroad.

The university said Leonor would follow the same degree structure, subjects and examinations as her classmates. She will combine her studies with official engagements as Princess of Asturias and heir to the Spanish throne.

Her transition to university closes a major phase that took her through academies in Zaragoza, Marín and San Javier, as well as extended naval and aviation training.

The completion of that program represents another step in Leonor’s preparation for her future responsibilities as Spain’s head of state.

WiseNewsPress.com