September 1 marks a turning point for Princess Leonor. She begins her final stage at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier, Murcia—and it won’t be easy.
There, the heir to the throne will face a strict schedule and military discipline identical to that of any cadet, leaving behind the comforts of the palace and the privileges of royal life.
Princess Leonor at the Air Force Academy
Her day begins with reveille at 6:30 a.m. After washing up and breakfast, classes start at 7:40 and run until 3:00 p.m., with a short break mid-morning. In the afternoon, from 4:00 to 6:00, lessons and training continue, followed by a brief window for studying or mental rest.
Dinner is served at 8:30 p.m., and by 10:30 p.m., absolute silence is enforced. “It’s a strict routine,” they say at the academy—and the princess already knows what that means after her time in Zaragoza and Marín.
Living arrangements won’t be easy either. Leonor will share a room with three fellow cadets in a women’s dormitory, with basic bedrooms and communal bathrooms at the end of the hallway. The academy provides all essentials, though it’s recommended to bring everyday items like sunscreen, insect repellent, or a headlamp.
The biggest challenge of the course will be flight instruction. First, CBT and FTD simulators will help her get familiar with the controls of a Pilatus aircraft, leading up to flying alongside an instructor in a PC-21 training plane. Only after proving skill and confidence will she be allowed to attempt her first solo flight—a milestone not everyone achieves.
Princess Leonor is following in the footsteps of Felipe VI and Juan Carlos I, facing a demanding routine that builds character, discipline, and resilience—qualities essential for a future queen.