Princess Leonor of Spain could be about to make history by becoming the first heir to the Spanish throne to participate in an international mission as part of her military training.
This possibility, which is currently under study by the Royal Household and the Ministry of Defense, would represent an unprecedented milestone in the preparation of the future monarch, reflecting the Royal Family’s commitment to offering a fresh and modern image of the Crown.
Princess Leonor’s international military mission
The start of Princess Leonor’s military training at the Zaragoza Academy began in August 2023 and so far everything has gone well.
She was sworn into the flag, has passed rigorous physical and theoretical training, and the heir to the throne has demonstrated her determination and ability to face the challenges of military life.
Now, the possibility is being raised that when she finishes her military training, Leonor will participate in an international mission.
According to sources close to La Zarzuela, both the Royal Household and the Ministry of Defense have considered the option of Princess Leonor participating in one of the international deployments in which the Spanish Armed Forces are currently involved.
This decision, still up in the air, would be an unprecedented experience for a future monarch and would reflect the Royal Family’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education.
Currently, the Spanish Armed Forces are present in 17 missions abroad, deployed in four continents under the umbrella of the UN.
Among the possible options being considered is the United Nations mission in Lebanon, where Spain leads the Eastern Sector and where Leonor could be integrated as one more “blue helmet”.
She would be in a large military base, well protected and respected by the actors in conflict in the area: Israel and the Hezbollah militias.
Another alternative would be its temporary incorporation into a Spanish Navy ship, which participates in NATO and European Union naval operations in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the coasts of Somalia, combating piracy.
However, regardless of the chosen mission, the culminating experience that Princess Leonor will experience will be her participation in the emblematic training cruise Juan Sebastián de Elcano in the summer of 2026.
This maritime journey, which will take her to cross the Atlantic and visit several countries, will symbolize the culmination of her military training, after having passed through the General Air Academy of San Javier (Murcia) and the Naval School of Marin (Pontevedra).
Sources close to the Palace assure that King Felipe VI wants his heiress to acquire military knowledge and skills superior to those he received.