Princess Leonor of Spain has a new title. The Princess of Asturias received the title of "Adopted Daughter of Marín" on Monday, making her the first adopted daughter of the town. Leonor's father, King Felipe, was awarded the title of "Adopted Son of Marín" back in 1986 during his training at the Naval Academy.
Per Casa de S.M. el Rey, Leonor's title of "Adopted Daughter of Marín" recognizes the "historical link between the town and the Royal Family, especially since Marín is the headquarters of the Naval School." King Felipe and Queen Letizia's 19-year-old daughter arrived at the Naval Military Academy of Marín last August to begin her second year of military training. Princess Leonor's naval training included a period at the Naval Military Academy and continued this year onboard the Training Ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano.
In addition to being presented with the title of "Adopted Daughter of Marín" by the Marín City Council, Leonor also received on Monday the "Gold Medal of Galicia 2025" from Xunta de Galicia. The Spanish Princess was given the medal "in recognition of her military training at the Marín Naval School and as a sign of 'affection and respect of the Galician people' for the Princess," according to Casa de S.M. el Rey.
At the ceremony, Leonor, who spoke in Spanish and Galician, described her life in the Pontevedra estuary as intense and demanding, but also shared that she was able to enjoy the good atmosphere and food. "Time has passed very quickly, as the intense months in Marín have been followed by the training cruise on the training ship and the weeks on the frigate. But whether in Marín or at sea, I feel that this year in the Navy has served to strengthen the values of honor, valor, discipline, and loyalty that define our Naval Military Academy," the Princess said in her remarks (translated to English). "I'm also referring to the academic rigor and the excellent training and instruction I and my classmates have received. None of this would have been possible without the good work of the commanders, professors, and the staff who work at the school and those who are part of the crew of the ships on which I've had the opportunity to embark."
"And, of course, I want to mention my colleagues, the 75 midshipmen from my class and those from other classes with whom I've also shared a lot of time. They've all welcomed me and helped me since that August 29th of last year when I entered the gate of Carlos I. Together we have expressed our gratitude for the affection that the people of Marín have always shown, and that is why I feel very honored that you consider me an adopted daughter of Marín. Thank you, Mayor, thank you to the municipality and all the residents," she continued. "There I go now, after receiving, here in Santiago, the Gold Medal of Galicia. A distinction that, as it says in its relief, is awarded "ós bos e xenerosos" (to the good and generous). I think there's no better way to describe the people of this land, to you, who today grant me, President, such a valuable recognition. We're almost separated, but I won't be homesick because I always want to return to Galicia. Or as I heard when we entered the Ferrol estuary, this is my home, where the sea ends."
Leonor concluded, "Many thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for this honor that I receive with the hope of feeling in this land so supported and supported from the first day; a land that welcomed me a few months ago with open arms and that, almost without declaring me, became part of me. Thank you, thank you, thank you all."
The Princess, whose military training began in 2023 at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, will finish her third year of military training “in the Air and Space Army." Leonor is set to join "the San Javier General Air Academy for the 2025-2026 academic year."