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Spain

How Spain’s heir, Princess Leonor, will make history as she begins military training

The Princess of Asturias is set to begin her military education in mid-August.

Princess Leonor will enter the General Military Academy of Zaragoza on 17 August to start her training in the Spanish Armed Forces. Leonor joins the academy just weeks after graduating from the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales.

While most who attend the General Military Academy are enrolled for two years, the Princess will only train for one year in the subjects of Military Training, Tactics and Logistics, Weapons Systems, CBRN Defense, Topography, Leadership, Law or Army History. She will graduate with the rank of Dame-Cadet.

She is following in the same footsteps as her father, King Felipe, by undergoing training in each of the branches of the military. The plan is for her to spend three years in Spain’s military academies in preparation for her future role as Commander in Chief.

After her training with the Army, she will undergo training with the Navy before getting training with the Air Force.

In 2024, she is expected to train at the Marín Naval Military Academy for a few months before embarking on a teaching ship for further instruction onboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano; she will graduate as a Midshipman.

By 2025, the Princess will attend the San Javier General Air Academy and is expected to graduate with the rank of Lieutenant Cadet.

Leonor will complete the most extensive military training ever undertaken by a princess in Spain.

About author

Brittani is from Tennessee, USA. She is a political scientist and historian after graduating with a degree in the topics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in December 2014. She also holds a master's degree from Northeastern University. She enjoys reading and researching all things regarding the royals of the world. She's been researching, reading, and writing on royalty for over a decade. She became Europe Editor in October 2016, and then Deputy Editor in January 2019, and has been featured on several podcasts, radio shows, news broadcasts and websites including Global News Canada, ABC News Australia, WION India and BBC World News.