Saying goodbye is one of the most difficult experiences to face, and that was clear in Queen Letizia’s emotional farewell to her daughter, Princess Leonor.
Before being queen, Letizia is first and foremost a mother, and her heart overflowed with feelings as her firstborn embarked on a new chapter of her life.
At 19 years old, Leonor begins her adventure aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano, an emblematic training ship that will take her to explore the seas for six months.
This voyage not only represents an important stage in her military training but also a moment of personal growth and discovery.
Queen Letizia cries at the farewell of Leonor
King Felipe and Queen Letizia arrived at the port around 11 a.m. (Spanish time), and the atmosphere already promised to be emotionally charged.
After settling on the ship, the royal family had the opportunity to share a private moment, a luxury that only Leonor and her parents were able to enjoy. This is something unusual, as her companions did not have the same luck.
The young princess had the pleasure of showing her parents the boat, a detail that undoubtedly touched the hearts of all present.
At the moment of saying goodbye, Queen Letizia was visibly affected. As the ship set sail, tears welled up in her eyes, reflecting the mixture of pride and sadness she felt as she watched her daughter depart.
It should not be forgotten that this was a farewell full of symbolism, not only for Leonor but for the whole family, who had to say goodbye from a lookout boat, while other parents stayed on land.
Felipe VI, in turn, showed himself to be a proud and supportive father, embracing Letizia in a gesture of support and affection that resonated with everyone watching.
King Felipe VI’s speech was also touching, assuring Leonor that this trip would become one of those unforgettable memories of her military training.
And although he knows that his daughter will face challenges, the king also emphasized the need to enjoy this experience with her classmates.
With a smile, the princess filled the atmosphere with energy; her enthusiasm and hope were palpable, in contrast to her mother’s sadness.
The moment was also a testament to the special connection the King and Queen share with their daughter.
At the conclusion of the farewell, Felipe VI took out his cell phone, not only to capture the image of the moment but to keep alive the memory of a day that, while emotionally charged, is also full of promise and new opportunities.
Leonor’s farewell was a great reminder that being part of royalty is not at odds with the deep humanity of family relationships.
Queen Letizia demonstrated that, beyond her responsibilities as queen, her most sacred role is that of mother, always ready to cry, laugh, and celebrate the important moments in her children’s lives.
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