The training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano brought forward its arrival in Punta Arenas, Chile, two days ahead of schedule, surprising those who expected it to arrive on March 20.
However, beyond the change in the itinerary, attention was also focused on Princess Leonor, who is part of the crew as a midshipman and has had to face certain challenges on the high seas.
Princess Leonor Misses Training on the Ship Elcano
Since she began her naval training, the heir to the throne has followed the same regimen as her shipmates.
As we have already commented on RoyalFamily.News, the demanding sailing routine has not been without its difficulties, and in recent days she has faced episodes of seasickness and nausea, common symptoms in those who are not yet fully adapted to life at sea.
Sources close to the Royal Household point out that “physically, her body has not yet become fully accustomed, so she is experiencing normal symptoms”.
To cope with them, she has resorted to medication and proper hydration, key elements to keep her in optimal conditions during the training.
Difficulties at sea and ashore
The discomfort Leonor has experienced has not been limited to sailing alone.
During the recent stopover in Salvador de Bahia, the princess also suffered the effects of so-called ‘land sickness’, a feeling of vertigo and imbalance that some people experience after spending a prolonged period of time aboard a ship.
Although her case was mild, the truth is that this disorder can be annoying, as those who suffer from it feel that the ground is still moving even when they are on dry land.
In addition, there is a possibility that he may have faced sudden pressure changes, which could have caused discomfort in his ears, a phenomenon known as barotrauma.
“Physically he is still not adapted.”
As a result of her indisposition, Leonor has been unable to participate in some key activities of her midshipman training.
During the last week, the cadets have been immersed in navigation training, maneuvers and outdoor exercises, but the princess has been forced to take a break due to her malaise.
However, close sources assure that it is nothing serious and that “it is expected that she will soon be able to resume her participation in training as normal”.
The stopover in Punta Arenas will serve as a short respite before continuing on to Valparaíso, where the ship is scheduled to make its next stop in early April.
Despite the physical inconveniences, the princess remains steadfast in her process of learning and adapting to life at sea, a challenge that, although demanding, is part of her preparation as a future queen.