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IN BRIEF
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Princess Leonor of Spain is about to embark on a six-month maritime adventure aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. This iconic journey will take place as part of her military training, where she will sail around South America before heading to New York. This departure will mark an important milestone in her journey, revealing the challenges and discoveries that await her, as well as the implications of her royal role during this unique expedition.
An academic commitment in the navy
Since 2023, after leaving school, Princess Leonor has been undergoing rigorous military training that encompasses the various branches of the armed forces, including the army, the air force, and the navy. In 2024-2025, she officially joined the Naval School of Marín, near Santiago de Compostela. This training provides her with the opportunity to acquire essential knowledge that will be valuable in her future role as commander-in-chief.
The imminent departure
On January 11, 2025, the princess will board the Elcano, a brigantine full of history, previously sailed by her father, Felipe VI, and her grandfather, Juan Carlos. In preparation for this departure, Leonor will hold a final ceremony in the city of Cadiz, where she will be welcomed by the mayor and participate in a spiritual moment in the Santo Domingo church to ask for the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary.
A captivating itinerary
After a first stop at the Canary Islands, the voyage will truly take flight on January 23, heading towards South America. The itinerary will include stops in Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Panama, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, before arriving in New York on June 5. This journey of cultural discoveries and encounters will forever mark her experience within the navy.
Life aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano
Aboard, Princess Leonor will experience an authentic life by adopting a military lifestyle. She will share her daily life with about a hundred comrades, as well as with officers and non-commissioned officers. The living conditions on board will be far from royal comfort, allowing her to develop skills and forge strong bonds with her peers. Only during stops will Leonor be able to don her royal status and be recognized as ambassador of Spain in the countries visited.
A meaningful adventure
This journey represents not only a crucial step in Leonor’s military training but also a unique opportunity to discover the world beyond Spanish borders. As a future queen and leader of the armed forces, this expedition will allow her to understand the diplomatic and cultural issues by immersing herself in the diversity of the nations visited. The memories and experiences gained during this adventure will remain etched in her memory as she prepares to assume her future royal responsibilities.
