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Spain

Princess Leonor in naval uniform on day of historic first

For the second year, Princess Leonor attended the National Day military parade in her military uniform. 

Last year saw the Princess sport the gala uniform for cadets of the Zaragoza General Military Academy, in the recognisable army green colour. She wore her Toison de Oro collar, together with the ordinance tie. 

This year, she wore the gala uniform for cadets of the Naval Academy in Marín, which saw her use the sash, as well as the collar, together with her uniform. 

Casa de S.M. el Rey

Under the heavy rain that marked the day, there was another historic first, as Princess Leonor joined her father in placing a laurel wreath at the feet of the Spanish flag to pay homage to all those who lost their lives while offering their service to the country. 

The heir to the Spanish throne wore her hair in a sensible braided bun, with snugly fit underneath her Navy cadet hat, and donned a pair of small stud diamond earrings, which perfectly adhere to dress code regulations for the military. 

There are also rule about wearing makeup, and the colours of nail polish that are allowed, which the Princess observed to a tee. 

Casa de S.M. el Rey

Like Princess Leonor, her Academy companions were also in their gala uniforms and mandatory complements, as displayed during the receiving line that took place at the beginning of the traditional reception hosted by King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace. 

In 2023, Princess Leonor was surprised to see several of her classmates lining up to shake her hand. This year, however, she seemed more prepared, though no less pleased to see some familiar faces from her daily life in the Naval Academy. 

Just like last year, photographers were able to capture plenty of moments in which the Royals showed the public that they are a united family, and the special bond that King Felipe shares now with his eldest daughter through their shared experience in the Armed Forces. 

The four royals are currently living long distance: King Felipe and Queen Letizia remain in Madrid, while Princess Leonor spent last year in Zaragoza, and is based in Marín for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Casa de S.M. el Rey

In the meantime, Infanta Sofía is in Wales, completing her last two years of high school, after which she is rumoured to be willing to undertake a year of military training, although nothing has been announced by the Royal Household yet. 

If that announcement were to come, the public can expect to see it around the beginning of 2025, if the same timings that were used with Princess Leonor are still valid. 

This would make it so that the two sisters would come out of military training at the same time, thus implying that they will undertake their university journeys together, even if they will not choose the same course of studies.