This Saturday, January 11, marks the beginning of a new adventure for Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, who is embarking on a journey that her father, King Felipe VI, made forty years ago.
The image of Leonor stepping onto the deck of the ship “Juan Sebastián Elcano” is undoubtedly a significant moment for her and her family, as this ship will be her home for the next six months.
How was Princess Leonor’s farewell?
The morning began with a religious ceremony, where the princess and her fellow midshipmen, totaling 74, including eight women, prepared to set sail.
The arrival of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the port of Cadiz, around 11 a.m. (Spanish time), was awaited with excitement.
The monarchs had the opportunity to share a moment alone with their daughter, which made the farewell even more intimate, as she was the only one of them who could show the ship to her parents.
The farewell was a whirlwind of emotions. The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia and pride as the King and Queen watched their daughter about to embark on this life-changing experience.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia say goodbye to Leonor
Felipe VI assured her, in his speech, that this trip would have a special place in Leonor’s memory, as it had in his own and in that of her grandfather. It is likely that the king gave her numerous pieces of advice, but the most important was to enjoy the adventure that was about to begin.
And what to say about Queen Letizia? At several moments, she was visibly emotional, blowing kisses to Leonor as the moment of departure approached.
Watching her daughter sail away on a boat must have been daunting, and she couldn’t stop the tears from welling up in her eyes, a touching moment that was echoed by Felipe VI, who embraced her warmly amid the sadness.
Despite the emotional charge of the farewell, the princess did not lose her smile; her enthusiastic expression reflected her excitement for what was to come.
Princess Leonor’s long journey
This trip will not be a simple stroll on the sea. Over the course of six months, the “Juan Sebastián Elcano” will take Leonor and her companions to fascinating places: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Salvador de Bahia, Montevideo, Punta Arenas, and even New York.
Each of these destinations represents not only a geographical stop but an opportunity to learn and grow.
The king, as a good father, did not miss the opportunity to immortalize this moment with his cell phone.
A mixture of pride and nostalgia defined this moment of farewell. As Leonor begins her journey, it is clear that she has the unconditional support of her parents, who, although they had to let her go, feel sure that she is about to live an unforgettable experience.
Princess Leonor’s farewell was not only an act of emotion but also a rite of passage that reflects her commitment and personal growth.
With hearts full of love and pride, the royal family watches as their daughter embarks on an experience that will surely mark her life forever.
Así ha sido la emocionante despedida de los Reyes y la princesa Leonor.
“Con pena y con ilusión, va a ser muy bueno para ella”, ha dicho el rey Felipe a los medios tras decirle adiós a su hija. Mientras, doña Letizia ha comentado que “van a ser muchos meses sin verla”. pic.twitter.com/LOrOObhEsH
— Vanitatis (@vanitatis) January 11, 2025