On July 3, 2024, Princess Leonor bid farewell to Zaragoza with the traditional commissioning ceremony, presided over by the King and Queen.
This marked the end of an intense and special year—the first in her military training—at the General Military Academy.
Leonor de Borbón, as a cadet, completed her stay at the AGM and was appointed as an ensign.
She received the Grand Cross of Military Merit with a white badge from King Felipe VI, in the presence of her mother, Queen Letizia, and her sister, Infanta Sofía.
Cadet Borbón Ortiz concludes her training in the Army and will soon join the Naval Academy in Marín (Pontevedra) as a frigate ensign for her second year of military education.
After that, she will continue her training at the Air Force Academy in San Javier (Murcia) for her third year.
What did King Felipe say to Princess Leonor at the military act?
The emotional highlight of the ceremony was the embrace between the King and his heir. As Leonor received her insignia, both royals appeared deeply moved.
The King couldn’t resist hugging his eldest daughter, creating a poignant moment of father-daughter connection.
After King Philip placed the sash and the brooch with the Cross on his daughter, a tender gesture of shock was evident on his face, which was followed by a curious comment: “Lower your arm,” the monarch said to the heiress, after she was ready to maintain the military salute.
Following protocol, Leonor then resumed her military salute, displaying a newfound confidence.
Clearly, her father’s presence provides reassurance during these significant moments for the Crown.