Princess Leonor of Spain received her officer’s saber at the General Academy of Zaragoza, where she is undergoing military training.
The heiress to the Spanish throne participated in the saber ceremony that solemnly marked her status as an officer and her commitment to the ideals of honor, valor, and loyalty.
Princess Leonor receives the officer’s saber
The traditional saber ceremony took place this Tuesday, September 19, in the parade ground of the General Academy of Zaragoza.
Princess Leonor was one of about 600 first-year cadets who received their sabers, which has a deep meaning.
The ceremony began with opening remarks by General Manuel Perez Lopez, director of the Academy.
For about 30 minutes he spoke to the assembled cadets about the significance of this milestone.
Then, in groups of nine, the new cadets individually received their sabers from second-year students, in a symbolic gesture of mentoring.
Upon receiving the saber, Leonor made a traditional statement representing the bond between new and veteran cadets.
The sophomores also gave short speeches about service, dedication, sacrifice, and selflessness as military officers.
They encouraged newcomers, like Leonor, to fully embrace this life.
The royal family was unable to attend the intimate occasion due to its private nature.
The Princess of Asturias faced this important moment alone, with no family members present.
King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Leonor’s sister, Infanta Sofia, will likely be present at the cadets’ next flag swearing-in on Oct. 7.
Although media coverage of Leonor’s activities at the academy is restricted, the Royal House did share official photos of the saber ceremony.
One of the photos shows the Princess of Asturias solemnly receiving her saber as she begins another stage of her training as an officer.
Although she was unable to be accompanied by her family on this significant day, Leonor was able to spend some precious normal time with them last weekend.
She enjoyed her first leave from the academy to celebrate the 51st birthday of her mother, Queen Letizia, at home.
The saber ceremony maintained the same intimate tone as Leonor’s grancé beret ceremony on Sept. 13.
Leonor took part in the ceremony for the awarding of sabers [VIDEO]
Leonor’s military life
By all accounts, Leonor has integrated perfectly into the life of the academy.
Like all cadets, she has gotten muddy and disheveled during intense training exercises. However, she has taken on this new stage following in the footsteps of her father, King Philip, 38 years earlier.
This saber ceremony marked an important transition for Princess Leonor, who entered fully into her military training.
Upon receiving the saber, Officer Borbón Ortiz acquired the obligation to embrace the ideals of honor, valor, and loyalty established in the Cadet’s Decalogue.