Princess Leonor of Spain
The first photos of the military training show her focused
Princess Leonor of Spain at the Zaragoza Military Academy.
© imago/PPE
Princess Leonor of Spain starts her traditional military training. The first photos show the 17-year-old Crown Princess in uniform.
Princess Leonor of Spain, 17, was first photographed at the military school where she is completing her three-year course, traditionally following in the footsteps of her father, King Felipe VI. (55), and grandfather Juan Carlos (85). In the photos from the General Military Academy of Zaragoza, which show the heir to the Spanish throne on her first day at school, she is wearing camouflage clothes, a tight bun and appears very concentrated.
Leonor arrived at the academy with her family on Thursday and was assigned to the cadet battalion. king Felipe wore a military uniform for the occasion. His wife, Queen Letizia (51), an elegant, understated pantsuit and Leonor’s sister Sofia (16) jeans, a green patterned top and sneakers.
The future Queen of Spain completes a module during her first lessons at the school to help her get used to military life. The program included theoretical notes, practical exercises and saluting officers.
Living in the shared accommodation
Leonor will begin her actual military service next month. After her training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, which is the Spanish equivalent of the British Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, she will attend Naval School and complete her training at the General Air Academy.
As “Heraldo.es” further reports, the Crown Princess will share accommodation with up to twelve other students. In addition, she should get a haircut and basic military equipment before the first real training session. She is entitled to a salary of 417 euros. However, the palace reported that she will refrain from doing so. Much like a boarding school, the Military Academy follows a strict schedule during the weekdays, but Leonor is free to go home on the weekends when not participating in maneuvers.
New phase of life after high school
Princess Leonor completed the International Baccalaureate (Abitur) at UWC Atlantic College in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, in May. The school is often referred to as “Hippie Hogwarts” because of its progressive educational concept and the picturesque castle setting.
The princess, who will turn 18 in October, revealed at the Princesa de Girona Foundation awards ceremony on July 5 in Girona, Catalonia, that she is looking forward to being a cadet soon. She said: “I’ve just finished high school and I’m starting a new stage with a military education. I’m happy because I know how much the Spaniards value our armed forces… It’s an important moment in my life, and I’m very excited and determined to keep learning and doing my best.” To the delight of the audience, Leonor said it in Spanish, Catalan and English.