Princess Leonor continues her training as a midshipman aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, an experience that has led her to travel to different ports and share day-to-day life with her fellow passengers.
In her recent stopover in Montevideo, the heiress to the throne starred in a special moment when she served as flag bearer in the oath of allegiance, a solemn act in which 45 Spaniards living in Uruguay took part.
Leonor’s Naval Training
On board the Elcano, the princess’s routine is no different from that of the other midshipmen.
Although it was initially thought that her presence would modify the planning of events in each port, it was finally decided that there would be no additional activities due to the fact that she is part of the crew.
Like all her shipmates, Leonor follows the same schedule of duties, watches and commitments during port calls.
When the ship docks, the students must fulfill a shore commission, an assigned activity in each port.
In the case of Montevideo, the princess was in charge of carrying the flag at the official ceremony.
After fulfilling this duty, the agenda relaxes and they can enjoy their free time, although they must always comply with certain protocols. One of these is the mandatory guard duty on the ship, which may involve welcoming visitors and guiding them on board.
The time of rest ashore is a long-awaited respite for the midshipmen.
During those days, they have the possibility of staying in hotels, an option that allows them to enjoy certain comforts that are unthinkable on the ship.
Showering without rushing, sleeping in a stable bed without noise, or simply relaxing without the rigidity of the naval schedule are small luxuries that they appreciate especially after weeks at sea.
“The Elcano sails under sail and, depending on the inclination of the ship, sleeping can become a challenge,” explains a person close to the crew.
For this reason, staying in hotels is usually a shared pleasure among all, including Leonor, who like her fellow midshipmen shares a room with another midshipwoman.
In addition to rest, the days in port provide an opportunity for sightseeing.
Many students take advantage of these stopovers to go on excursions to emblematic places. In destinations such as Callao, Peru, it is common for young people to travel on their own to Machu Picchu and Cuzco.
In Chile, one of the most popular visits is to the Perito Moreno glacier, while in Valparaiso, the funiculars are a must-see attraction.
During these activities, midshipmen wear civilian clothes, reserving the uniform for official acts.
The experience aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano is proving to be an integral learning experience for Princess Leonor, not only in terms of naval training, but also in terms of coexistence and teamwork.