Casa del Rey has officially confirmed: Princess Leonor will continue her education in Spain and enroll in the political science faculty at Universidad Carlos III in Madrid. This decision has generated discussion, as the possibility of studying abroad or at a private university was previously considered, which could have sparked a mixed reaction in society.
The choice of a public university and a relevant major is explained by the need to combine studies with public duties. In recent years, the heiress has already spent a significant period outside of Spain—first at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, then at military academies. As a result, the future queen has largely disappeared from public view, which, according to many, does not serve the interests of the monarchy, which requires continuous public approval.
Context and comparisons
In European monarchies, it has become common practice for heirs to be educated abroad, but this path is not always flawless. For example, Princess Ingrid of Norway’s choice to study in Australia coincided with a crisis of confidence in the monarchy in her country, forcing her to appear more frequently at official events and complicating her studies. In Spain, Casa del Rey also took this experience into account when determining the educational trajectory for Infanta Sofia, choosing a university in Portugal to facilitate her institutional duties. However, in practice, Sofia barely appeared at public events during the year.
Arguments supporting the decision
The decision to send Leonor to a public university instead of a private institution is based not only on image but also on the need to consider public sentiment. The monarchy is compelled to respond to the demands of society and demonstrate social sensitivity. At the same time, the choice of Universidad Carlos III appears to be a compromise: the university maintains its prestige but is not associated with political extremes, unlike the political science faculty at Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
For the future queen, it is important not only to gain specialized knowledge but also to integrate into modern Spanish society and get acquainted with real issues affecting young people, such as housing and transportation. Studying in Getafe will allow her to be closer to these issues.
Details and nuances
The only controversial point is the procedure for coordinating the decision. The official statement notes that, regarding Leonor’s choice, the king informed the prime minister. This differs from the practice in 1988, when the decision on a university for the then-heir was made ‘in agreement with the government,’ which emphasized the state character of the issue. At that time, representatives of the government and figures such as Gregorio Peces-Barba, whose name is now often heard in the halls of Universidad Carlos III, were involved in developing Felipe VI’s educational program.
Questions about the role of the monarchy and the public engagement of the heirs remain relevant. As with other high-profile cases involving public figures, such as the trial against Vito Quiles, decisions concerning institutional figures inevitably become a matter of public attention and discussion.
