Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, continues her preparation for the role she will one day assume as Queen.
As she advances in her military training, many are wondering what her future will be like, not only in terms of responsibilities, but also in terms of the economic allowance she will receive.
Although that moment still seems far away, the Royal Household is already setting certain precedents.
Princess Leonor’s Salary
For now, Leonor does not receive an allowance of her own, but when she begins to fulfill an official agenda, she could receive a considerable sum.
According to estimates based on the income her father, King Felipe VI, had when he started receiving a state allowance at the age of 30, it is estimated that the princess could earn around $140,000 per year.
Back then, Felipe VI was paid half of what King Juan Carlos earned, and this dynamic could be repeated with Leonor.
However, times have changed, and with them, the figures and economic needs. Although the $140,000 is a reasonable estimate, it is likely that the amount will vary to adapt to current circumstances.
What does seem certain is that it will exceed the allowance received by her grandmother, Queen Emeritus Sofia, who in 2023 received $126,500, and will be closer to Queen Letizia’s current income, which last year reached $154,300.
The renunciation of income during her military training.
In a gesture that has been applauded by many, Princess Leonor decided to waive the $420 monthly pay that would correspond to her as a cadet at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza.
This type of remuneration is usual among the students of the Armed Forces centers, but Leonor chose not to accept it, making it clear that her priority is not to take economic advantage of her position.
This detail has reinforced her public image as a committed and responsible young woman. It is evident that, from the Royal Household, they are taking care of all aspects related to her education and training, which includes covering her personal and academic expenses, such as those she had during her stay at the UWC Atlantic College in Wales.
Comparisons with other European heiresses
The landscape of heiresses to the throne varies significantly in Europe. Elisabeth of Belgium, for example, is entitled to an allowance of $900,000 per year. However, she has preferred to focus on her studies at Harvard University before taking an active role within the Crown.
On the other hand, Amalia of the Netherlands has taken a different approach. In 2021, the daughter of King William and Queen Maxima initially waived her $1.5 million annual allowance because she was uncomfortable with the economic disparity compared to other students.
However, she recently changed her stance, which has generated a wave of criticism in the Netherlands. While some consider that the remuneration is justified, others believe that it is premature for her to receive that amount.
The Spanish Royal House and its budget
In 2023, the total budget of the Royal House amounted to $8.5 million, a figure that covers, among other expenses, the education of Princess Leonor and her sister, Infanta Sofia.
Until Leonor begins to receive an official allowance, it will be King Felipe and Queen Letizia who will assume the costs related to their daughters.