She was born on 31 October 2005 to the Prince and Princess of Asturias, now King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, at the Ruber International Hospital in Madrid by caesarian section due to the lack of progression in labour. The announcement of her birth was sent out through text message to the press, and she left the hospital with her parents on 7 November. She is first in the line of succession to follow her father, followed by her younger sister, Infanta Sofía, age 12.
She is only heir presumptive, due to Spanish succession laws, instead of the heir apparent. This means if Felipe and Letizia were to have a son, he would be first in line and claim the title Prince of Asturias. Leonor would then revert back to being referred to as Infanta Leonor. At the moment, the 14-year-old Princess is the youngest heir to a throne in Europe.
Leonor, whose full name is Leonor de Todos los Santos de Borbón y Ortiz, was christened on 14 January 2006 at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid. Her godparents were King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía, her paternal grandparents. In keeping with tradition, water from the River Jordan was used in the christening.
The Princess is said to be much like her father – responsibly, formal, curious and calm. Her sister is said to be more rambunctious.
The daycare of the Spanish Royal Guard is where Leonor first began her schooling during her preschool years. On 15 September 2008, she started elementary school at the same school her father attended at Santa María de los Rosales School in Aravaca, Spain, where her younger sister Sofía also attends.
Due to her future role as monarch, she also takes additional classes at home to prepare her for her future role. The King and Queen attempt to have breakfast and dinner with their daughters each night and explain to both about matters going on in the country. Leonor was made very well aware of the situation in Catalonia regarding independence, according to El País.
Aside from her native Spanish, Leonor is also fluent in English and is becoming familiar with the other languages spoken in Spain. Reportedly, she has been taking lessons in Mandarin.
It is believed she will take the opportunity to study abroad in the future like her father, Felipe. Felipe attended Lakefield College School in Ontario, Canada. On 20 May 2015, she received her First Holy Communion. The Princess is said to be active in the ballet, like her mother was around the same age. Additionally, she enjoys horseback riding and is a decent skier. The future Queen of Spain is also very passionate about music and has begun learning to play an instrument – but what instrument has not been revealed.
Besides the title of Princess of Asturias, she also holds The Princess of Girona, The Princess of Viana, Duchess of Montblanc, Countess of Cervera and Lady of Balaguer. Her father awarded her the honour of being a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece for her 10th birthday. She was also awarded her own personal standard and guidon, which was approved by the Council of Ministers.
In January 2018, her father presented Leonor with the Order of the Golden Fleece to coincide with his 50th birthday. Later that year, on her 13th birthday, she gave her first public address when she read from the Spanish Constitution to mark its 40th anniversary.
In 2019, she attended the Princess of Asturias Awards for the first time and gave her first speech where she promised to serve Spain.
If, as expected, Leonor ascends the throne, she will be Spain’s first queen regnant since Isabella II was monarch from 1833 to 1868.
