Princess Leonor is breaking the mold once again. The heir to the Spanish throne is officially the first member of the royal family to qualify as a paratrooper, completing her basic parachute course as part of her third and final year at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier. In a new set of images shared by the Spanish Royal House, Princess Leonor is seen jumping from an aircraft in full protective gear, laughing and enjoying herself alongside members of her unit.
© @casareal.esA historic parachute course
The Spanish Royal House announced that the Princess completed her basic parachuting course at the Escuela Militar de Paracaidismo Méndez Parada, located in Murcia. The two-week course complemented the aeronautical training she's been receiving throughout her third year at the academy. Alongside fifty of her fellow cadets, the Princess trained in the techniques required to perform automatic-opening parachute jumps.
Official photos and videos released by the Royal House documented the experience from beginning to end. Images show Leonor preparing alongside her classmates, jumping from the aircraft, and carrying her equipment. She was also photographed watching her teammates complete their own jumps, embracing them and offering her congratulations. Following the jumps, the group gathered to chat and pose for a group photo to mark the occasion.
© @casareal.esParachutist Commando
The Princess of Asturias received her diploma and the Parachutist Commando badge, becoming the first Spanish royal to earn this distinction — neither King Felipe VI nor his father, former King Juan Carlos I, completed parachute training during their military service.
On Saturday, Armed Forces Day, the King celebrated his daughter's achievement in remarks delivered at a reception. "Shortly, she'll complete her training as a pilot," he said, as reported by HOLA! Spain. "She's closing out a training cycle, after these past three years, that she's completed with a lot of effort and skill. I'm not the one to say this, but as a father I have the right — and as a ruler, we'll see. In any case, congratulations, Leonor. You're days away from completing your year at the Air and Space Academy, and we know you've enjoyed it, so we're very happy."
© @casareal.esA busy week ahead
It is the start of a hectic week for Princess Leonor. On Tuesday, June 3, she will be in Murcia, receiving the Gold Medal of the Region of Murcia, the Gold Medal of the Regional Assembly, and the Gold Medal of the Town of San Javier. She will also be named Adopted Daughter of the municipality.
On June 6, Leonor is scheduled to return to Madrid, where the royal family will welcome Pope Leo XIV on his first apostolic visit to Spain. It will also be a family reunion of sorts, with Leonor joined by her younger sister, Infanta Sofía, who is completing her studies in Lisbon.
© @casareal.es
