Since Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, began her training at the Naval Military School (Pontevedra), the media attention and security measures at the school have increased considerably.
Leonor, who already completed her first course of military instruction at the General Academy of Zaragoza, continues with her military training, and this has caused the school to be subjected to strict security controls to protect her integrity, as reported by Monarquia Confidencial.
Princess Leonor’s security at the Naval School
The security deployment around the princess is visible both inside and outside the military compound.
Since her arrival, the Marine Corps Protection Force has reinforced its presence, controlling access and patrolling the interior of the school. This elite Navy corps, charged with protecting military installations and personnel, has been augmented to ensure the safety of the princess.
In addition to the Protection Force, the Guardia Civil has increased its surveillance. The agents are permanently at the center, something that is not usual in this type of facility.
Their task is focused on protecting the most sensitive areas, while outside, the National Police is in charge of maintaining order and reinforcing perimeter security. There are also Civil Guard Maritime Service vessels patrolling the nearby waters.
Discreet but effective security
Despite the increased security measures, both the King’s Household and the Navy have worked hard to make Leonor’s stay as normal as possible.
As was the case in Zaragoza, the goal is for the princess to participate in the school’s daily activities without the presence of escorts or agents interfering with her routine.
The escorts of the Security Service of the King’s Household, who are usually members of the Civil Guard, closely follow the movements of the princess, but they do so discreetly, giving her space and preventing her from feeling constantly watched.
In fact, Leonor has been seen on several occasions enjoying outings with her companions to nearby restaurants, showing that her life at the academy is not completely isolated.
Nevertheless, the challenge of managing the curiosity of the public and those who recognize her remains a priority.
The King’s Household tries to prevent unauthorized photos or videos of the princess from being disseminated, especially in informal situations that could divert attention from her training.
Strict control over the use of cell phones
One of the issues that most concerns the princess’s security is the use of mobile devices within the school.
Since she began her military training, measures have been taken to control the use of phones among students, especially during maneuvers or guard duty.
Although it is forbidden to use these devices in certain areas, the King’s House and the Navy are aware of the ease with which any image of Leonor could be leaked, which has led them to reinforce the rules in this regard.
Constant support in her training
In her training process, Leonor is not alone. Lieutenant Colonel Margarita Pardo de Santayana, a member of the Military Chamber of the King’s Household, accompanies her in this crucial stage.
Pardo de Santayana, personally chosen by King Felipe VI, is the one who has been by the princess’s side since she entered the General Academy of Zaragoza, providing her with guidance and support.
This close support, along with the discreet presence of escorts, seeks to ensure that Leonor can continue her military training without being affected by the constant attention she attracts as heir to the throne.