Princess Leonor doesn’t stop. After visiting Brazil and Uruguay, she is now in Chile, the third stop on her adventure around the world.
As we reported on RoyalFamily.news, the princess’s journey will last several weeks and conclude in New York.
The 19-year-old princess arrived in Chile on Wednesday, March 19, along with the entire crew of the Elcano. Originally, she was expected to arrive on Thursday, but her arrival came as a surprise.
Princess Leonor’s Arrival in Chile
The early arrival was due to a strong storm that forced them to bring forward their passage through the Strait of Magellan. This strait is often described as the “Everest of navigators” because of its hurricane-force winds, enormous waves, and lurking rocks. It is the point where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet.
However, the captain of the Elcano described the experience quite differently, stating that they enjoyed the “historic, beautiful, and exciting Strait of Magellan,” and that the wind conditions allowed them to sail in a “beautiful and calm” manner.
It seems the midshipmen analyzed calculations and weather forecasts and advised the captain to advance their arrival at Punta Arenas, in southern Chile.
What Will the Princess Do in Chile?
Princess Leonor and the 75 midshipmen will remain in Punta Arenas until Sunday. The official agenda is not very packed, but she will participate in some planned activities.
The captain of the Elcano is expected to meet with the commander-in-chief of the Third Naval Zone of the Chilean Navy.
A “comradeship meeting with the Chilean Navy” and a commemorative ceremony at the site of the first Spanish settlement in the Strait of Magellan are also scheduled. However, the captain has warned that plans may change, as the priority is to take advantage of good weather conditions to reach Cape Horn.
For those interested in seeing the ship, there will be an open house on Saturday, March 22. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the vessel where 19-year-old Princess Leonor is traveling with her shipmates as part of her Spanish Navy training.