Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of news about Spain’s elder princess, Leonor. It feels like she’s grown up all of a sudden, already starting at a military academy! Many people might still get her and her younger sister, Sofía, mixed up. But it’s the older sister, Leonor, who is undertaking military training and is the heir to the throne. Her journey is a true ‘queen-in-training’ program, and it’s quite fascinating to follow.
Speaking of her education, it’s far from traditional royal schooling. Before entering the military academy, Princess Leonor studied for her International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College in Wales. This school is nicknamed the ‘Hippie Hogwarts’ and attracts students from diverse backgrounds all over the world, a stark contrast to a secluded aristocratic institution. While the tuition is reportedly high, the school places a greater emphasis on a student’s overall character and potential. It seems the King and Queen want the future monarch to have a broad, international perspective. Now, her younger sister Sofía is following in her footsteps at the same school.
Last summer, right after graduating from UWC, the Princess immediately began her three-year military career. Her first stop is the General Military Academy of the Army in Zaragoza. In news photos, she’s seen with a short haircut, in camouflage, participating in intense physical and military drills alongside her fellow cadets, showing no signs of royal airs. This is no mere publicity stunt; as the future Captain General of the Armed Forces of Spain, this training is an essential part of her preparation.
The Crown Princess’s Military Training Plan
Her three-year military career is clearly planned out, covering all three branches of the armed forces to ensure a comprehensive understanding. I’ve put together a simple table for a clearer view:
| Period | Branch | Location/Institution |
|---|
| 2023-2024 | Army | General Military Academy of Zaragoza |
| 2024-2025 | Navy | Marín Naval Military School, including a voyage on the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano |
| 2025-2026 | Air and Space Force | San Javier General Air Academy |
Upon completing these three years of military training, Princess Leonor will hold the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force, becoming the first female heir to the Spanish throne to receive a full military education. When she eventually ascends to the throne as Queen, she will legally be the Supreme Commander of the Spanish Armed Forces. That’s why, as some have noted regarding the Spanish princess’s university-level training, every step she takes now is paving the way for her future role. What do you all think of this modern, elite approach to royal education? Don’t you think it’s much cooler than simply studying within palace walls? Feel free to share your thoughts and join the discussion!
