Princess Leonor, the 17-year-old heir to the Spanish throne, is set to begin three years of military training this August. The plan comes as officials emphasize that the next phase of her education includes formal service in the armed forces, aligning with Spain’s tradition of integrating royal succession with military experience. Officials cited remarks from Defense Minister Margarita Robles to underline that the royal heir will follow a path that mirrors those of other European constitutional monarchies, where military service is considered a core component of leadership preparation and national duty. [Citation: Ministry of Defense statement, 2024]
Officials stressed that in a parliamentary monarchy the heir must undergo military training and pursue a military career as part of his or her preparation for potential future responsibilities. They noted that the armed forces have been actively promoting gender equality, highlighting the ongoing efforts to attract and support women in all branches of the service. The intention is to ensure that future leadership embodies both military discipline and modern, inclusive values. [Citation: Defense Ministry remarks, 2024]
Leonor will begin her training with the Army, spending the first year at the Army War College in Zaragoza. Afterward she will rotate to the navy school where ship-handling exercises are conducted, and she will complete her program at the General Air Force Academy. This progression is designed to give the princess a broad, firsthand understanding of each service’s roles, operations, and culture before any university studies resume. [Citation: Royal household press briefings, 2024]
The government and the royal household agreed that the rigorous military curriculum would precede Leonor’s university studies, establishing a foundation of leadership, discipline, and practical experience that support the responsibilities she may assume in the future. The emphasis placed on this sequence reflects Spain’s approach to preparing the next generation of state leadership through immersive service and civic duty. [Citation: Official statement, 2024]
Philip VI’s eldest daughter, Leonor, will turn 18 in October. In a few months, she is expected to complete a two-year high school program at a college in Wales. If there were no male heir, she would be first in line to the throne, with her sister Sofia following in the line of succession. The line of succession in Spain remains a historically stable matter, with the royal family continuing to adapt to modern expectations while preserving constitutional procedures. [Citation: Royal succession overview, 2023–2024]
Earlier reports noted by media outlets that Queen Letizia attended civic and cultural engagements, including inaugurations such as the Cervantes Institute in Los Angeles, reflecting the royal family’s engagement with international cultural diplomacy. These appearances are part of a broader effort to maintain Spain’s soft power and cultural ties abroad while preparing the next generation for public service. [Citation: Coverage of royal engagements, 2023–2024]