Princess Leonor has completed her second year of military training with an emotional ceremony.
On July 16, the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the heiress participated in the flag pledge ceremony alongside her classmates from the Naval Academy in Marín.
The event, presided over by King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and also attended by Infanta Sofía, marked the end of a stage that included sailing on the Juan Sebastián de Elcano and training aboard the frigate Blas de Lezo.
Princess Leonor receives the Grand Cross of Naval Merit
One of the highlights was the awarding of the Grand Cross of Naval Merit with white distinction, a recognition granted by the Council of Ministers in recognition of her commitment to a military career.
Her own father, King Felipe, presented her with the award in a solemn ceremony where the bond between father and daughter prevailed over protocol for a moment. Their embrace was one of the most talked-about moments.
The royal family spent the day showing their full support for Leonor. Letizia and Sofía traveled to Pontevedra to accompany her, as they had done at the end of her first year in Zaragoza.
The emotion was visible at all times because of what it symbolizes for the institution.
After this closing ceremony, Leonor will return home for a few days before resuming her schedule.
On July 23, a new engagement awaits her, when she will preside over the Princess of Girona Awards ceremony in Catalonia, accompanied once again by her parents and sister.