Spain is poised to witness a historic royal milestone as Princess Leonor prepares to become its first Queen Regnant in almost 150 years. At 20 years old, Leonor, the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is next in line for the throne. Her succession marks the first time a woman will rule Spain since Queen Isabella II in the 19th century.
The House of Bourbon has guided Spain’s monarchy since the early 1700s, following the War of the Spanish Succession. After decades under Franco’s dictatorship, the monarchy was restored in 1975 under Juan Carlos I. He later abdicated in 2014 in favor of his son, Felipe VI.
King Felipe VI married Letizia, a former journalist, in 2004. Together, they have two daughters: Princess Leonor, born in 2005, the heir apparent, and Infanta Sofia, born in 2007. Spanish law requires the heir to complete rigorous military training across the Army, Navy, and Air Force before assuming the role of Commander-in-Chief.
Leonor began her higher education at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, completing an International Baccalaureate diploma. She then started military training, joining approximately 560 cadets in Zaragoza in August 2023. Following her Army training, she moved to naval instruction in Galicia in 2024. This included a 140-day, 17,000-mile voyage aboard the Spanish Navy’s training ship, Juan Sebastián de Elcano.
During this extensive journey, Princess Leonor participated as a regular crew member, sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, along the South American coast, and reaching as far north as New York. She later served on the warship Blas de Lezo. Upon completing her naval training, she returned to Cadiz in July 2024.
In December 2025, Leonor achieved a major milestone by completing her first solo flight in a Pilatus PC-21. This achievement made her the first woman from the Spanish royal family to accomplish this feat. Currently, she is undergoing Air Force training at the Air and Space Academy in San Javier, Murcia, where she was welcomed with ceremonial honors.
Reports indicate that the Region of Murcia plans to award Princess Leonor its Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor. This recognition highlights her progress and dedication as the future head of Spain’s Armed Forces.
As Spain anticipates her eventual coronation, Princess Leonor’s disciplined preparation and active military participation underscore her readiness to assume the responsibilities of a reigning monarch. Her ascent symbolizes both a continuation of Spain’s royal heritage and a historic shift toward female leadership in the monarchy.
