It’s the start of a new chapter for Princess Leonor of Spain! The Princess of Asturias was accompanied by her family—dad King Felipe, mom Queen Letizia , and sister Infanta Sofia—as she arrived at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza on Thursday to begin her first year of military training.
When asked if she was nervous, the future Queen of Spain, 17, admitted (via HOLA! Spain ) “a bit.” Her father added, “Logically. You have to be a little nervous.”
The Princess is joining 612 cadets in the first promotion. During her stay, Leonor will share quarters with other female students. Queen Letizia and King Felipe’s eldest daughter, who was dressed in a blue button-down shirt and white pants, pulled her own suitcase as she made her way to the academy after saying goodbye to her family.
Scroll to see photos of Princess Leonor arriving to begin her three-year military training...
© Getty ImagesPrincess Leonor of Spain arrived at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza on Aug. 17.
© Getty ImagesLeonor, who graduated from UWC Atlantic College in May, is starting her military training.
© Getty ImagesThe Princess’ parents and sister dropped her off at the General Military Academy.
© Getty ImagesWhile she is a future Queen, Leonor pulled her own suitcase.
© Getty ImagesBefore starting her military training, Leonor and her family enjoyed their annual summer holiday in Mallorca. During their vacation, the royals watched Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie and visited the Jardines de Alfabia.
© Getty ImagesAt the 2023 Princess of Girona Foundation Awards in July, Leonor spoke about starting “a new stage with a period of military training.” The Princess said, “Beyond my responsibility, I am happy because I know how much the Spanish value our Armed Forces.”
She continued, “It is an important moment in my life and I feel very eager and convinced to continue learning and giving my best spirit to strengthen the values with which I have grown and that today our five awardees embody: respect for others, effort, excellence, search for knowledge, temperance, discipline, perseverance. Also, ability to perceive reality and live with the enthusiasm typical of my age.”
© Getty ImagesQueen Letizia shared a sweet moment with her firstborn, sweetly placing her hand on Leonor’s cheek.
© Getty ImagesThe Queen gave her eldest daughter a big hug as they said goodbye.
© Getty ImagesThe Princess also hugged her father...
© Getty Images...and her younger sister Sofia, who will be leaving Spain to begin her studies at UWC Atlantic College in Wales.
© Getty ImagesIn March 2023, Zarzuela Palace said that King Felipe and Queen Letizia consider Leonor’s military training “very convenient and valuable: it reinforces the capacities of service and delivery, and facilitates the representation tasks that she must assume, as Heir to the Crown of Spain, in accordance with the provisions of Title II of the Constitution.”
