Princess Leonor has finished her military training across Spain’s three armed forces. She received the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit from King Felipe VI. Her official military appointments will be formalized in 2027.
Princess Leonor has officially concluded her military education, marking a significant milestone for the Spanish Royal Family. After completing intensive training with the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force, Leonor was awarded the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit by her father, King Felipe VI. This distinction highlights the end of a demanding period that began in August 2023 and included rigorous academic and field exercises across multiple military academies.
The Royal Household released a two-and-a-half-minute video on its social media channels, offering a rare look at Leonor’s journey. The footage, some of it previously unseen, starts with her arrival at the Academia General Militar in Zaragoza and follows her through key moments such as the flag oath, trench maneuvers, and tank training. These scenes document her integration with first-year cadets and later with the 82nd promotion, reflecting the structured progression of her military education.
Leonor’s training continued with the Navy during the 2024-2025 academic year. She joined third-year students of the 427th promotion at the Escuela Naval Militar and participated in the voyage aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano training ship. The video also captures family moments, including farewells in Cádiz and a stopover in Gijón with her sister, Princess Sofía. Her final year was spent at the Academia General del Aire y del Espacio, where she trained alongside the 78th promotion, piloted a PC-21 aircraft, and completed parachuting courses. Notably, she also flew jointly with King Felipe VI, underlining the symbolic importance of her achievements.
Although Leonor’s formal military training has ended, she will not receive her official commissions as lieutenant in the Army and Air and Space Force, or as ensign in the Navy, until the 2026-2027 academic year. The final phase of her cohort’s studies will conclude in July 2027, when she is set to participate in the official commissioning ceremonies in Zaragoza, Marín (Pontevedra), and San Javier (Murcia). Until then, she will begin her university studies in Political Science at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid this September.
The Royal Family’s involvement in these milestones has drawn considerable attention, especially following the recent graduation event in Murcia, where Leonor received a key distinction from King Felipe VI. For more on the details and protocol of that ceremony, see the coverage of the Murcia graduation event.
Leonor’s path reflects the tradition of military preparation for Spanish heirs, a practice designed to equip future monarchs with leadership skills and a deep understanding of national defense. The structured five-year program she follows is unique in Europe, combining academic, naval, and aeronautical training. Her upcoming university studies will further broaden her preparation for future responsibilities. The ceremonies scheduled for 2027 will not only formalize her military ranks but also symbolize the transition to a new phase in her public role. This approach underscores the Royal Family’s commitment to continuity and service, reinforcing the institutional significance of Leonor’s achievements for Spain.
