Princess Leonor has reached another defining milestone on her journey to the Spanish throne. On July 10, the 20-year-old officially graduated from the General Air and Space Academy in Murcia, completing three years of military training across Spain’s army, navy and air force, an achievement that prepares her for one of the monarchy’s most important future responsibilities.
As first in line to the throne, Leonor is expected to become Spain’s first reigning queen in more than 150 years. When that day comes, she will also assume the role of Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces, making her military education a significant constitutional milestone rather than a ceremonial tradition.
During the graduation ceremony at San Javier Air Base, King Felipe VI promoted his daughter to junior naval officer and presented her with the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit with White Distinction, one of Spain’s highest military honours. Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía joined the celebration, marking the royal family’s first public appearance together since early June.
For the occasion, Queen Letizia embraced understated elegance in a pastel pink lace A-line dress paired with blush pumps and a matching handbag, while Infanta Sofía opted for a flowing polka-dot dress and flat sandals. Standing beside her parents in full military uniform, Princess Leonor embodied the disciplined image she has cultivated throughout her years of service.
The milestone concludes a demanding three-year programme that saw the future monarch train across all branches of the Spanish armed forces. After beginning with the army, Leonor moved on to the navy, spending five months aboard the historic training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano and additional time aboard the frigate Blas de Lezo. Her final year focused on the air force, where she trained as a military pilot, completed parachute instruction and even flew alongside King Felipe, each piloting separate aircraft.
Academy director Colonel Luis Felipe González praised the princess during the ceremony, describing her time at the academy as both enriching and demanding while commending her courage, discipline and eagerness to learn.
Leonor’s military path closely mirrors that of her father, who completed his own air force training in 1988 before ascending to the throne decades later.
With military training now complete, the Princess of Asturias will begin another stage of preparation for her future role. This September, she will enrol at Carlos III University of Madrid, where she will study Political Science over the next four years. The programme covers politics, law, economics, sociology, history and international relations, providing the academic foundation expected of a future head of state.
