A newly released video summarizes Princess Leonor’s three years of military education, offering a rare look at her training across Spain’s Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. Published on the Casa Real’s official social media channels, the two-and-a-half-minute video features previously unseen footage of the Princess of Asturias during her time in the armed forces. Her training ran from 2023 to 2026, across three service branches and their officer-training institutions.
Throughout the video, Princess Leonor takes part in field exercises with fellow cadets, performs duties aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano training ship, pilots a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, and practices fencing. Her training took place at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, the Naval Military School in Marín, and the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier. The naval phase included time aboard the training ship. The final air-force phase involved classroom instruction, simulator training, flight preparation, and practical training on the PC-21.
The Royal Household has described the program as preparation for Leonor’s future representative role and for understanding the armed forces’ institutions and traditions. The sequence broadly follows the military preparation undertaken by King Felipe VI, adapted to the current structure of Spain’s defense academies. It began after Leonor completed the International Baccalaureate in Wales and took the constitutional oath associated with reaching adulthood.
Her formal appointments are scheduled for July 2027, when King Felipe VI is expected to deliver her commissions in ceremonies involving the three academies. The appointments are service-specific: lieutenant of the Army’s Infantry branch, lieutenant in the Air and Space Force’s flight specialty, and ensign in the Navy’s General Corps. Correos has also marked the training program with four commemorative stamps documenting her progress through the armed forces.
The public release comes as the monarchy’s role and its ties to national institutions remain subjects of public interest. The video presents Leonor’s military preparation as part of her transition from trainee to future officer and as preparation for the responsibilities attached to her position. Spain’s National Day parade on 12 October 2026 was reported as her first major military appearance after completing the three-academy program.
The Spanish judiciary has also faced scrutiny over its independence and the pressures on public institutions. Former Supreme Court president Carlos Lesmes warned of ongoing political influence on the judiciary, a topic that continues to shape public debate. More details are available in the analysis of political pressure on Spain’s judicial system.
Princess Leonor’s military education reflects the monarchy’s institutional relationship with Spain’s armed forces and the heir’s preparation for a future constitutional role. Rotating through the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force gave her exposure to land-based officer education, naval service, and military aviation. The July 2027 commissioning ceremonies will mark the formal next step after her three-year program.
