Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, was honored by the institutions of the Aragón region on Tuesday.
This event took place just weeks before she finishes the first part of her military training in Zaragoza, the capital of this northern region of Spain.
Princess Leonor Honored in Zaragoza
Princess Leonor, who is 18 years old, will complete her one-year training at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza (Army) in five weeks.
This is the first phase of her military education, which will continue with two more years at the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy.
On Tuesday, Princess Leonor expressed her gratitude for the tribute she received from the institutions of Aragón and Zaragoza.
She stated that this region “will always be a part” of her life after having “enjoyed and endured” her time at the General Military Academy (AGM) alongside her fellow cadets, and “learning a lot.”
“Thanks to everyone who made it possible for me to feel like one more Aragonese during this time,” said Leonor de Borbón in her thank-you speech after receiving the Medal of Aragón at the Seo del Salvador in Zaragoza.
She also received the Medal of the Aragonese Parliament (regional parliament) and the title of Honorary Citizen from the Zaragoza City Council.
Princess Leonor was also happy that she could spend time with young people of her generation.
She was accompanied by the main regional and local authorities, as well as the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles.
Princess Leonor, who began her military training on August 17 and will finish it on July 3, is following in the footsteps of her father, King Felipe VI, who also trained as a cadet at the same academy.
Princess Leonor arrived at the cathedral of Zaragoza on foot from the city hall, located in the popular Plaza del Pilar. She greeted the hundreds of people who cheered for her along the way.