Princess Leonor is wrapping up a three-year period of military training that, according to psychologist Lara Ferreiro, consulted by the Cronista portal, may have left a lasting impact far beyond uniforms, regulations, and training.
Her time in Zaragoza, Galicia, and Murcia exposed her to responsibilities and challenging situations that likely strengthened her discipline, resilience, personal safety, and adaptability.
One of the changes the specialist highlights is related to her identity. During this time, Leonor had to demonstrate her abilities in settings where her status as heir wasn’t the only thing that mattered. Passing tests, taking on responsibilities, and spending time with her peers likely helped her build self-esteem more closely tied to her own achievements.
She would also have learned to be organized, maintain consistency, and forgo immediate rewards to achieve long-term goals.
There’s another point that I find particularly interesting. Military training may also have exposed her to a different concept of leadership. Working as a team, handling pressure, and sharing responsibilities nurtures skills like listening, empathy, and conflict management.
For Ferreiro, this learning could be important when Leonor has to make decisions with all eyes on her.
And perhaps the most personal aspect of these three years has to do with being separated from her family. Spending long periods away from Felipe VI, Letizia, and Infanta Sofía likely gave her a deeper understanding of the sacrifices that come with her parents’ responsibilities.
The psychologist believes this experience may also have strengthened her bond with her sister and expanded her ability to connect with people from different backgrounds.
In the end, the lesson that remains is quite clear, at least from this psychological perspective. For a future queen, leadership also means knowing how to work with others and understanding that service comes before privilege.