Princess Leonor Begins Her Military Training
Update, 8/17/23: Princess Leonor arrived at the Military Academy of Zaragoza to begin her military training today, joining a new class of cadets. Below, the original story on her military plans.
Original, 3/16/23: Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, will begin her military training this year.
The royal family announced today that after she finishes her International Baccalaureate studies at the UWC Atlantic College of Wales at the end of May, she will begin three years of military training.
"After completing secondary education, it is necessary to consider the next formative stage of the Princess, taking into account her responsibilities, first as Heiress to the Crown and, later, as future Queen of Spain," the Palace said in a statement (translated from the Spanish).
The Palace added, "The King, together with the Queen, considers that the military training of the Princess of Asturias is very convenient and valuable: it reinforces the service and dedication capacities, and facilitates the representation tasks that she will have to assume, as Heir to the Crown of Spain, in accordance with the provisions of Title II of the Constitution."
The Princess of Asturias will begin her training at the Army Military Academy in Zaragoza. Her second year will take place at the Naval Military School of Marín, and on board the Juan Sebastián de Elcano Training Ship, and then the third year will be at the General Air Academy. When Leonor becomes Queen of Spain one day, she will become supreme commander of Spain's armed forces.
"In the Cabinet Meeting today, we have approved a royal decree whose aim is to give structure to the military training and career of [Princess Leonor]," Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said at a press conference. "It shows that we will have, when the time comes, a supreme commander who is a woman, and in the recent years, we’ve made a big effort to incorporate women into the armed forces."
Robles added, "It’s an essential step in the life of Her Royal Highness … toward the leadership of our country."
Leonor's parents King Felipe and Queen Letizia "welcome this new formative stage of Princess Leonor with the satisfaction of knowing her will, interest and enthusiasm in receiving this training," the palace said. "Princess Leonor knows the demands and sacrifices that military life entails and is well aware of the honor of training and serving alongside the men and women of our Armed Forces."
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