What is the story about?
Spain is on the verge of a rare royal milestone. Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, is set to become the country’s first reigning queen in nearly
150 years, ending a long chapter without a Queen Regnant. As the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Leonor’s journey to the crown has been marked by rigorous military training, elite global education, and early diplomatic responsibilities. From naval voyages to solo Air Force flights, her preparation reflects a modern monarchy adapting to a new generation, and a historic moment for Spain.
Who Is Princess Leonor Of Spain?
Princess Leonor is the elder daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Born in 2005, Leonor holds the title Princess of Asturias and is the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne. If she ascends as expected, she will become Spain’s first Queen Regnant since Isabella II, who ruled in the 1800s. She also has a younger sister, Infanta Sofia, who was born on 29 April 2007.Princess Leonor is fluent in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French, and has working knowledge of Arabic and Mandarin, a skill set that reflects Spain’s global diplomatic priorities and her future international role.
Why Will Princess Leonor Make History?
Spain has not had a reigning queen in almost a century and a half. While queens consort have ruled alongside kings, Leonor would rule in her own right. Her accession would mark a major milestone for the modern Spanish monarchy, which has been led by the Bourbon dynasty since the early 1700s.Despite it being practically a decided fact since Leonor started carrying the official roles (since she was nine), she wasn't actually declared the heir apparent to the Spanish throne until the day of her 18th birthday, when she took the oath in front of the Spanish parliament.
When Will Princess Leonor Become Queen?
There is no fixed date yet. Leonor will become queen when King Felipe VI abdicates or upon his passing. Until then, she continues her formal preparation as Spain’s future Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.Princess Leonor’s Education Background
Leonor completed her schooling in Spain before earning an International Baccalaureate from UWC Atlantic College in Wales, an elite institution known for educating future global leaders and royals. Her education has focused on diplomacy, global affairs, and constitutional responsibility, aligning closely with her future role.Princess Leonor And Her Expansive Military Training
Spanish law requires the heir to the throne to receive training in all three branches of the armed forces. Leonor began her military journey in August 2023 with the Army in Zaragoza, training alongside over 500 cadets.In 2024, she moved on to Naval training in Galicia, embarking on a 140-day, 17,000-mile voyage aboard the historic training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. She served as a working midshipman, crossing the Atlantic, sailing around South America, and reaching New York. She later trained aboard the warship Blas de Lezo before returning to Cádiz.
During her Air and Space Force training in Murcia, Leonor completed her first solo flight in a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft in December 2025. She became the first woman in the Spanish royal family to achieve this milestone, further underlining her hands-on preparation for military leadership.
Leonor has been warmly received across Spain during her training. In July, 2025, dressed in her white naval uniform, Princess Leonor was presented with the Grand Cross of Naval Merit with distinction, one of the nation’s highest honours, by her father King Felipe, in Marín.
Europe’s Next Line Of GenZ Royals
Among Europe’s next generation of monarchs, Leonor stands out for her depth of military training, early solo diplomatic engagements, and strong academic grounding. From solo flights and naval deployments to representing Spain abroad, she is being prepared not just symbolically, but practically, for the crown.Leonor represents a modern monarchy shaped by constitutional duty, gender equality, and global outlook. If and when she ascends the throne, Spain will not only gain its first reigning queen in generations, but also one of the most rigorously trained monarchs in Europe’s contemporary history.
