On May 21, 2024, Princess Leonor of Spain marked another important day in her life.
She received the highest honors from Aragon without her parents, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, by her side.
Royal Officials Support Princess Leonor
King Felipe had a busy schedule that day, so he couldn’t join Leonor. Queen Letizia was free but also did not attend.
Instead, high-ranking officials from La Zarzuela, the royal palace, accompanied the princess. This was done following the King’s instructions to support Leonor.
The new head of the Royal Household, Camilo Villarino, along with the Communications Director Jordi Gutiérrez, and the Chief of Protocol Bernardo Francisco de Lizaur Cuesta, were there to support her.
Although her parents were absent, Leonor paid tribute to her father by wearing the same military cadet uniform he wore when he received the same honors nearly 40 years ago.
Previous Solo Engagements
This was not Leonor’s first solo event. In 2021, at just 15 years old, she visited the central office of the Instituto Cervantes in Madrid.
This marked her first official solo engagement. During this visit, she deposited copies of the Constitution and Don Quixote in the Caja de las Letras, a vault where cultural treasures are stored.
She was accompanied by top officials like the Vice President of the Government, Carmen Calvo, and the director of the Instituto Cervantes, Luis García Montero.
Many people gathered outside to show their support, holding signs that read, “The future is Leonor.”
Farewell to Zaragoza
In her speech in Zaragoza, Princess Leonor expressed deep gratitude to the Armed Forces, the city, and the region of Aragon.
She shared how her experience at the Military Academy had exceeded her expectations and made her feel at home.
Leonor emotionally declared, “In Zaragoza, in Aragon, I have felt at home. I am one of you now.”
Historical Parallels
King Felipe VI had a similar experience when he received his honors in Aragon.
He was awarded the Medal of the Cortes in 1986 and named an Adoptive Son of Zaragoza.
Felipe VI completed his military training in Zaragoza, starting in 1985, and was later given the Grand Cross of Military Merit by his father, King Juan Carlos I.
Both Princess Leonor and King Felipe share a deep connection to Zaragoza through their military training and the honors they received.