Princess Leonor is already on her way to earning another medal. Fernando López Miras, the president of Murcia, has just announced that the heiress will receive the Region’s Gold Medal. It’s no coincidence: Leonor has been training at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier for months, and according to the president, that already makes her “one of us.”
The phrase sounds powerful, almost as if Murcia had officially adopted it. This is not just another formal distinction, but a gesture intended to connect the future queen with the region where she is undergoing one of the most intense stages of her military training.
Interestingly, López Miras sought to lend historical weight to the matter. He recalled that both Felipe VI and Juan Carlos I also attended during their training, so there is a clear connection. The aim is to demonstrate continuity, tradition, and a shared commitment between the Crown and that community.
He emphasized that Leonor’s presence is not merely incidental; her stay holds profound significance, and she understands Murcia’s essence and what it represents. Strong words for a recognition that, ultimately, also strengthens the institutional image of the region itself.
Furthermore, the timing is perfect. Now that Leonor has completed her first flight in the Pilatus PC-21, the announcement makes even more sense. This milestone, known as “the release,” is one of the most symbolic moments for any cadet. And of course, the Royal Household released the images in mid-December, so the moment is still fresh.
Murcia thus joins Zaragoza and Galicia, which had already awarded her their own gold medals during her previous assignments. It appears that each stop in her training is accompanied by a territorial reconnaissance, which strengthens her presence in various communities before she ascends to the throne.