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Royal News

An emotional reunion for Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor after months apart

Queen Letizia of Spain couldn’t contain her happiness as she got to hug her daughter, Princess Leonor, for the first time in months.

The Queen of Spain has just arrived in Panama for an official visit but before the formalities got under way, she had important family business to conclude.

Princess Leonor is currently in the middle of a six month trip at sea as part of her military training. Her ship, Juan Sebastián de Elcano, docked in Panama City for one of its routine shore breaks and the future queen of Spain found her proud mother waiting to greet her.

Casa de S.M. el Rey

The princess was so excited to see her mum that she broke into a run to reach her as soon as possible The two hugged as Leonor made dry land again and Queen Letizia looked thrilled to be reunited with her elder daughter who left home in January for this part of her naval training.

Letizia, and her husband King Felipe, had both shed a tear when the princess sailed off and there were more tears at this brief reunion which takes place around two months before the training trip is due to finish.

The Spanish queen had been waiting at the dock with the relations of other students on board the ship for the chance to say hello after so long apart. She waved excitedly as the Juan Sebastian de Elcano came into view while the on board photographer, who has charted much of Leonor’s training, caught the first in line to the throne looking rather emotional at the first glimpse of her mum in months.

Casa de S.M. el Rey

Once reunited, the two talked animatedly before heading inside for time together.

Princess Leonor’s naval training comes after a year spent with the Spanish army. Once she has concluded her year with the Spanish navy, the princess will train with her country’s air troops as she prepares to, one day, be head of Spain’s armed forces.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.