Princess Leonor de Borbón is about to embark on a new stage of her training as heir to the Spanish throne.
In early January, the firstborn of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will join the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano for a training cruise that promises to be unforgettable.
This six-month voyage is part of her academic year at the Naval Military Naval, where she entered last August.
Princess Leonor’s Voyage
The princess’s course combines theoretical and practical learning. After several months at the base in Marín, Pontevedra, it is now her turn to apply what she has learned by sailing in international seas.
This cruise, now in its 97th edition, will take Leonor and her companions to six Spanish cities and six countries, including Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and the United States.
The Juan Sebastián de Elcano is not only a symbol of the Spanish Navy, but also a key element in the training of future officers.
For Leonor, it represents the opportunity to immerse herself in naval discipline and, at the same time, follow in the footsteps of previous generations of her family who also sailed on this historic ship.
Preparations on board: an improved ship
Before setting sail, the Elcano undergoes a series of improvements at its base in La Carraca, Cadiz. According to Captain Gerardo Rodríguez Mendoza, these renovations include the modernization of the infirmary, cabins and toilets, as well as optimizations in the air conditioning systems.
An outstanding novelty is the increase of the bandwidth capacity and the wifi connection, something that will allow the King and Queen to keep in touch with their daughter.
Although sources close to the Palace assure that Felipe VI and Letizia do not seek to grant her special privileges, they do want to be aware of her progress.
“She is the heir to the throne, and it is natural that they want to maintain fluid communication,” the sources explained to Monarquia Confidencial.
The same sources assure that the king also respects very much the military planning of the Academy, without meddling.
When will Princess Leonor’s trip begin?
On January 11, the trip will begin in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, and from there the ship will cross the Atlantic.
This tour will not only allow Leonor to get to know new countries, but also to represent Spain abroad as a future queen.