As Princess Leonor of Spain begins her education at the Military Academy in Zaragoza, other European princesses have also worn military dress.
Several female royals have completed rigorous training to prepare them for future leadership roles.
Article summary
Women royals who have received military training
Kate Middleton
Beyond her most recent honorary military titles, Kate Middleton has practical experience in the armed forces. In 2021, she trained with British troops and learned battlefield medical techniques.
Kate also repaired machinery during a visit in 2021 to the Army’s 101st Operational Maintenance Brigade. She was honored to meet soldiers on Armed Forces Day.
Victoria of Sweden
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden received brief military training in 2003, living in barracks with other recruits.
Last year, Victoria participated in an orientation course on military strategy and leadership. The program reinforced her knowledge of the military’s objectives.
Elisabeth of Belgium
Princess Elisabeth was the first royal heiress of her generation to pursue military studies in Belgium. Starting in 2020, she trained at the Royal Military Academy for three years.
There are images showing Elisabeth parading, performing drills, and learning to handle grenades. The intensive education prepared her to one day assume the throne.
Mary of Denmark
After her own military training, Crown Princess Mary visited war-torn Afghanistan in 2014 and saw active duty up close. In May 2022, she became a commander in the Danish Home Guard.
Her uniform sported all the insignia, including the prestigious Order of the Elephant medal, presented during the ceremony.
Ingrid Alexandra of Norway
At only 18 years old, Ingrid Alexandra has already participated in special forces exercises, anticipating her future role as Queen of Norway. She will begin a year of military service in 2024.
The princess will train with the Northern Brigade Engineer Battalion, gaining first-hand experience before assuming the throne.
These princesses underwent rigorous military preparation for leadership as will Leonor of Spain in preparation for assuming the throne in the future.
