Princess Leonor is facing one of her busiest weeks of the year. As she nears the end of her military training at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier, the heir to the Spanish throne has a packed public schedule, beginning this Saturday when she'll join King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Day of the Armed Forces for the first time.
© GTRESA Calendar Full of Milestones
On May 30th, the Princess of Asturias will travel to Vigo, where this year's Day of the Armed Forces is being held. The Royal House announced last-minute that Leonor had rearranged her schedule to take part in the military event for the first time.
Her agenda then continues on June 3rd, when she travels to Murcia to receive the Gold Medal of the Region of Murcia, the highest distinction awarded by the regional government, along with the Gold Medal of the Town of San Javier and the title of Honorary Citizen of San Javier. On June 6th, Leonor and her sister Infanta Sofía will join their parents at the Royal Palace to welcome Pope Leo XIV on his first apostolic visit to Spain, one of the most significant events on the royal calendar this year.
© Getty ImagesThis Saturday, at noon, the Day of the Armed Forces parade will get underway along the Samil Avenue in Vigo, with Leonor presiding alongside her parents. More than 3,700 military personnel will take part, including members of the Air and Space Force, the regiment where Leonor is currently completing her training. The parade will begin at the Avenue of the Constitution.
The Day of the Armed Forces has been observed in Spain since 1978. Since 1987, the event has been held on the Saturday nearest to May 30th to honor Saint Ferdinand, King of Castile. Upon the royal family's arrival, they will be received with full military honors.
A Meeting With the Pope
© AFP via Getty ImagesIn a matter of weeks, Leonor will also be meeting the Pope. This visit by Pope Leo XIV will be the first papal visit to Spain since Pope Benedict XVI's visit in 2011. For Leonor and Sofía, it will be their first encounter with a pope as adults. Fifteen years ago, both girls attended the last papal visit to Spain, when Pope Benedict XVI met with representatives from Spain, with their father then serving as the Prince of Asturias. At the time, Leonor was five years and Sofía was four.
On June 6th, the King and Queen will welcome the Pope at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. A welcome ceremony will then take place at the Royal Palace of Madrid, followed by a courtesy visit with the King and Queen. Shortly after, Leonor and Sofía will join the King and Queen at the Royal Palace for the official reception. The next day, on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Pope will celebrate Mass at the Plaza de Cibeles, where the entire royal family is expected to attend.
What Comes Next for Leonor
It has been a year filled with defining experiences for Leonor as she prepares to follow in her father's footsteps as Spain's reigning monarch. After the summer, Leonor will begin her university studies in Madrid, pursuing a degree in Political Science at Carlos III University in Getafe.
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