Princess Leonor of Spain Shines in Crisp White Uniform at Navy School

Princess Leonor of Spain appeared in high spirits today as she arrived at the navy school in Marín, on Spain’s western coast, to begin the next stage of her military training.

At 18, the future queen will spend a year with the navy before moving on to her final rotation at the General Air Academy.

As the heir to the throne, Leonor is set to become both the Queen of Spain and the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, making military training an essential part of her preparation.

Her training encompasses three years in each defense sector. She has just concluded a year at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza.

Today, she looked regal in her crisp white uniform, featuring a shirt with epaulettes tucked into belted black smart trousers. She smiled for the cameras, wearing a naval hat and black boots with a small heel.

The 18-year-old will spend a year training with the navy, before moving onto her final rotation at the General Air Academy

Leonor chose a natural look, wearing minimal makeup with just a hint of mascara. Her brunette tresses were pinned back in a low braided bun, a practical choice for her active training days. She completed her appearance with simple diamond stud earrings.

Photos from the day also showed Leonor in a striking all-white uniform, complete with white shoes, as she greeted people at the academy.

According to Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, she will spend the next four months at the school before embarking on a training cruise aboard the Spanish Navy training vessel Juan Sebastián Elcano.

Minister of Defence Margarita Robles expressed pride in Leonor’s training, stating it embodies values such as commitment, loyalty, love for Spain, and leadership—essential qualities for a future head of state.

Leonor is following a family tradition, as her father King Felipe and her grandfather Juan Carlos both completed military training across the three armed services of the country.

As she is the heir to the throne, Leonor will one day take the title of Commander in Chief of the armed forces, alongside being the Queen of Spain

Despite her enthusiasm, Leonor will face rigorous challenges. Navy Captain Pedro Cardona Suanzes detailed the midshipmen’s demanding daily routine, describing it as ‘non-stop’ with tasks from early morning until night.

Their day starts at 6:45 am. They shower, make their beds, and have breakfast by 7:30 am, with their white uniforms expected to be spotless.

Weekdays require all students to be in bed by 10:45 pm to ensure they get eight hours of sleep. On weekends, they can wake up two hours later, and first-year students may stay up until 1:30 am.

Leonor’s enthusiasm for her new role was evident last year at the Princesa de Girona Foundation award ceremony in Girona.

‘I have just finished high school and I am about to start a new stage with a period of military training,’ she said. ‘I am happy because I know how much the Spanish value our armed forces… it is an important moment in my life, and I feel very excited and determined to continue learning and giving my best effort.’

She looked regal as she proudly donned the crisp white uniform, donning a shirt with epaulettes, which she tucked into a pair of belted black smart trousers

Before starting her training, Leonor expressed her excitement about becoming a cadet, knowing the significance the armed forces hold for Spaniards.

She has to spend three years in each section of defence and has just spent a year at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza

The arduous routine reflects the intense discipline and commitment required, beginning early and extending throughout the day, embodying the values she will need as a future queen.