The first photos of Princess Leonora of Spain in military uniform have been published

Seriousness, duty and respect. This Friday, August 18, Princess Leonor of Spain took her first steps at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, in the northeast of the country, where she will spend the next three years of her life. Following in the footsteps of her father, King Felipe VI, and her grandfather, King Emeritus Juan Carlos I, the 17-year-old appeared in uniform, her face serious and her hair pulled back in a bun. Spectacular photos have been published by the royal court.

Great training

This Thursday, August 17, the day after the painful goodbyes, the Palace published the first pictures of the Princess of Asturias during training. Assigned to the First Battalion of Cadets, Princess Leonor of Spain swapped her civilian clothes and flowing hair for a pulled-up fleece, ranger and fatigue uniform with a Spanish flag on her right shoulder. His uniform is also adorned with a label bearing his dual name, Borbón Ortiz, the surname of the Spanish Royal House and Queen Letizia of Spain.

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Straight-shouldered and studious-faced, he who will be the country’s first ruler since the 19th century already seems to be taking his role seriously as he acts alongside his new friends. In this austere new place of life, where she resides in a dormitory, the young princess has just begun a phase of reception, orientation and adjustment to military life, which will last for two weeks. It will be followed by a four-week basic military training module. “Now it’s Leonorin’s turn, it’s exciting, we support her a lot,” King Felipe VI said, according to Reuters news agency. “The first few days will be difficult, but he will get through them with effort and patience,” says his father, who has undergone similar training in his own time. And like her, Leonor will train in all three armies: land, sea and air.

A hard goodbye

The previous day, Thursday August 17th, the Princess of Asturias returned amidst excitement and emotion. In the afternoon, the procession of the royal family crossed the gates of Zaragoza Academy. Princess Leonor, returning to school like no other, was able to count on the support of her loved ones. King Felipe VI was present in military uniform with a reassuring hand on his estate’s shoulder. This historic moment probably reminded him of his own return to school in 1985 when he was still young.

Welcoming the director of the institution, General Manuel Pérez López, the sovereigns enjoyed the game and answered the questions of the journalists gathered in front of the academy. The new student confided, declaring that she was “very happy”, “enthusiastic” and “eager”. Like any 17-year-old young woman faced with the news, she admitted she was “nervous”.

At the entrance to the sports field, the emotion was drawn on the faces: it’s time to say goodbye. His sister, Infanta Sofia, and his father then warmly embraced him, and Queen Letizia, proud and excited, tenderly cradled her eldest in her arms, eyes closed. Suitcase in hand, the future reigning queen turned around one last time, flashing her family a reassuring smile before starting this new chapter in her life.