Less than a hundred days before boarding the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, Princess Leonor celebrated this weekend the traditional Baile del Ciento with her classmates from the Navy Academy of Marín.
This event symbolically marks the countdown to the start of her voyage as a midshipman, and although the heiress enjoyed the evening as just another student, her security team played a crucial role in preserving her privacy.
The Baile del Ciento, whose name comes from the fact that it is held one hundred days before the training cruise, is an ancient naval tradition that bids farewell to the cadets who will embark on the mythical ship.
On this occasion, the event had to be postponed due to the tragedy caused by the floods in Valencia, and was finally held last Saturday, December 7.
Extra work for Princess Leonor’s bodyguards
Leonor’s participation in the event was simple and discreet, but for her security team, the night was far from quiet.
According to close sources, bodyguards went the extra mile to prevent photographs being taken of the princess during the celebration.
One attendee commented: “She is just another student, but she is also the future queen of Spain. Her presence did not go unnoticed, and the security team had to act several times to ensure that no images were leaked.”
Strategies to protect her privacy
Among the measures adopted, the agents implemented controls to check bags and devices of the guests at certain times, seeking to avoid taking pictures in private areas.
Although this precaution generated some discomfort among some attendees, sources explain that these actions are necessary to protect not only the safety of the princess, but also her public image.
Security precedents
This is not the first time that Leonor’s security has taken similar measures. During her time at the General Military Academy, she was seen in a discotheque in Zaragoza, where some young people tried to photograph her.
On that occasion, the team also intervened to prevent the dissemination of images of the future queen in an informal setting.
A member of the security team said: “We follow clear orders and we always try to do it as discreetly as possible, but it is not always easy. Protecting her image is as important as ensuring her physical safety.”
Despite the necessary restrictions, Princess Leonor was able to enjoy the Baile del Ciento as a unique experience in her upbringing.
Before the celebration, she shared a meal with classmates at a local restaurant, showing once again her ability to integrate into her surroundings as just another student, albeit with exceptional responsibilities.
The countdown to her embarkation on the Juan Sebastián de Elcano is already underway, and with it, the preparation for a journey that will mark a milestone in her training as heir to the throne.