It was an especially emotional day in Zaragoza’s General Military Academy, as Princess Leonor received her graduation certificate and a new decoration from the hands of King Felipe.
Although classes ended a while ago, with cadets having been able to enjoy some much deserved days off, they were all back for the traditional end of year ceremony.
It is usual for King Felipe to attend (the next day he was in San Javier to do the same for the Air Force), but this year held special significance, as his elder daughter was among those graduating.
And so, on Wednesday 3rd July, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía arrived in Zaragoza and were welcomed by local and military authorities, before His Majesty reviewed the cadets’ display.
After a short prayer, delivered by Spain’s Military Archbishop, the moment that everyone was waiting for arrived: Princess Leonor marched right in front of her father, offered him a military salute, and received from him a diploma (which she gave back to a member of staff immediately after) and, most importantly, her new order: the Grand Cross to Military Merit with the white sash.
After a handshake, it was King Felipe who broke protocol and slightly pulled her in for a hug that, even from just photographs, expressed all the pride he felt for his daughter. After another military salute, he watched as Princess Leonor march away.
Shortly after, she arrived in front of the Royal Stand, and, after receiving permission to do so, stepped up and joined her family; her father discretely nudged her to give her permission to hug Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía, neither of whom could erase the proud smiles from their faces.
Afterwards, the “regular” part of the ceremony took place without a hitch: King Felipe handed out the decoration for the five First Officers who received promotions within the Army, as well as handing out Royal Decrees to everyone graduating or being promoted.
The General Director of the Academy offered a brief speech, after which there was a homage to those who gave their lives for Spain, during which we saw Princess Leonor join the singing of the traditional song “La muerte no es el final” [“Death is not the end”].
The event draw to a close after the playing of the Academy’s anthem, the recitation of the first article of the cadets’ Decalogue and a military parade.
The end of her time in Zaragoza doesn’t mean that Princess Leonor can go on holiday just yet; she has still some items on the agenda before that.
Starting on the 9th and 10th of July, when she will take part in activities related with the Princess of Girona Awards, and the on the 12th she will undertake her first solo official trip: she will land in Portugal and will be received by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Her engagements will be focussed on climate change and green policies, according to reports.
After some well-deserved days off, princess Leonor will be reporting to Marín’s Naval Academy, where she will be undertaking one year of naval training. it is expected that, at some point during the year, she will be aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, but no details have been disclosed. Shortly after that, her sister, Infanta Sofía, is expected back at UWC Atlantic, in Wales, where she will attend her second (and last) year of high school – making King Felipe and Queen Letizia empty nesters once again.
