Princess Leonor of Asturias holds a unique and prominent position in the Spanish monarchy. Born on 31 October 2005, she is the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne, and is the elder daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. In this article, we will detail the life and responsibilities of this young royal, who is expected to become the future Queen of Spain
The Birth and Baptism of Princess Leonor of Spain
Princess Leonor, born to Felipe and Letizia, who were then Prince and Princess of Asturias, entered the world at 01:46 on 31 October 2005. His arrival took place during the reign of his maternal grandfather, King Juan Carlos I, at the Ruber International Hospital in Madrid, where he was born via cesarean section after labor had failed to progress. As the daughter of the heir apparent, she held the title of Infanta and was second in the line of succession to the Spanish throne. Her birth was officially announced to the press by the royal family via an SMS.
Just a week after her birth, on 7 November 2005, Princess Leonor left Ruber International Hospital with her parents. His baptism took place on 14 January 2006 at the Zarzuela Palace, presided over by Cardinal Antonio Ruco Varela, Archbishop of Madrid. Leonor, like her father before her, was baptized in 17th-century tradition with water from the River Jordan in the Romanesque baptismal font used for the christening of Spanish princes. His godparents were his grandparents, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia. She was honored with the name “Leonor de Todos los Santos”.
Leonor’s Education Journey and Military Training
Princess Leonor of Spain’s educational journey began at the Escuela Infantil Guardia Real, a daycare for the children of the Spanish Royal Guard. His formal schooling began on 15 September 2008, when he joined Santa María de los Rosales School in Aravaca, just outside Madrid. Notably, his father, King Felipe VI, is an alumnus of this private school, and his younger sister, Sofia, also studies there.
In September 2021, Leonor began a new chapter in her education by enrolling in the 2-year International Baccalaureate program at UWC Atlantic College in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. He successfully completed his studies, graduating in May 2023. During her educational journey, Leonor became proficient in both Spanish and English, the latter learned from her British maternal grandmother and her grandmother, Queen Sofia. He has also ventured into the study of Mandarin, demonstrating his dedication to holistic education.
In March 2023, an announcement by Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles marked an important development in Leonor’s education. The Spanish government approved a royal order to begin a 3-year military training education program for them. On August 17, 2023, he began his first year of training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza. The move reflects his commitment to preparing for his anticipated role as Spain’s head of state. She is expected to follow in her father’s footsteps and receive two additional years of training, one at the Naval Military Academy in Marín and the other at the General Air Academy in Murcia, focusing on naval and air force training respectively. It is important to note that while attending military academies, Leonor has decided to forgo her salary and any money the cadets receive. Notably, in her military career, she uses both her parents’ surnames, “Borbón Ortiz”, reflecting her dedication to her role as the future leader of Spain.
Leonor’s Journey to Adulthood: From Birth to Her 18th Birthday
Leonor has had important moments in her life from an early age. In May 2014, she made her first official visit to San Javier Air Force Base in Murcia, giving a glimpse of her royal duties. A few weeks later, on 18 June 2014, King Juan Carlos signed the Act of Abdication, allowing Leonor’s father Felipe VI to accede to the throne at midnight on 19 June 2014. Official title as Princess of Asturias.
In October 2014, a wax statue of Leonor was unveiled in the Museo de Serra in Madrid, a testament to her public presence. On May 20, 2015, he received First Communion according to Catholic tradition.
Discussions have emerged about changing the succession law to absolute primogeniture, placing Leonor first in line to inherit the throne, despite the Spanish Constitution’s system of male-preference cognatic inheritance. As of 2023, no such laws affecting succession to the throne have been passed.
Leonor’s journey into adulthood is marked by several public engagements and milestones. He was given the Order of the Golden Fleas by his father, King Felipe VI, the day before his 10th birthday. In 2018, he received the collar of the Golden fleece during his father’s 50th birthday celebration.
In 2018, he held his first public event outside the palace and gave his first public speech on the 40th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution. He continued to give important speeches at events such as the Premios Princesa de Asturias in 2019. Notably, she addressed the audience at the Princess of Aragon Foundation awards in several languages.
In March 2021, he made his first public solo engagement at the 30th anniversary of the Instituto Cervantes. In July 2022, Leonor went on her first international trip and attended a sporting event with her younger sister Infanta Sofia.
On October 7, 2023, Leonor took the oath of allegiance to the flag of Spain at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza, emphasizing her military training. And on his 18th birthday, October 31, 2023, he took the oath in front of the Spanish Parliament and was invested as a Knight Grand Cross with the Collar of the Order of Charles III by his father, King Felipe VI, at the Royal Palace.
Leonor’s Royal Titles and Recognitions
Leonor’s royal journey is marked by a series of titles and identities reflecting her status as heir to the Spanish throne. Initially styled as “Her Royal Highness Infanta Leonor of Spain”, her status changed after her father’s accession to the throne. She became known as “Her Royal Highness the Princess of Asturias”, symbolizing her role as next in line to the throne. In addition to the title of Princess of Asturias, she holds several other noble titles, including Princess of Aragon, Princess of Viana, Duchess of Montblanc, Countess of Cervera and Lady of Balaguer.
Her dedication to the path is evident as she serves as an officer cadet at the General Spanish Military Academy, preparing herself for her future responsibilities as a leader.
As heir apparent to the throne, Leonor also plays important roles as titular chairperson of the Princess of Asturias Foundation and the Princess of Aragon Foundation. Although she took over these duties after turning 18, they were temporarily supervised by her father.
His father, King Felipe VI, recognized his commitment by making him a knight and giving him the insignia (collar, medal and bow) of the Order of the Golden Flesh. This distinction was awarded on October 30, 2015 and formally presented on January 30, 2018. Additionally, on October 10, 2023, he received the prestigious title of Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Charles III, which was presented in October. 31, 2023. These honors underscore his role as a future leader of Spain and his dedication to maintaining the country’s traditions and responsibilities.
Conclusion
Princess Leonor of Spain is a young royal lady with a unique destiny. Her education, military training, and the titles she held emphasize her commitment to serving as the future Queen of Spain. As she continues her journey towards the throne, her role is sure to be watched with great interest and anticipation.
FAQ
Q.1-Who is the next queen of Spain?
A.1 – Princess Leonor, heiress to the Spanish throne, swore allegiance to her country’s constitution on her 18th birthday on Tuesday, laying the groundwork for her eventual succession as queen when the time comes.
Q.2-What is Princess Leonor doing now?
A.2-She is currently receiving basic military training at an academy in the northeastern city of Zaragoza
Q.3-Who is Princess Leonor?
A.3-Princess Leonor is the future queen of Spain