Spain is preparing to welcome its first reigning queen in over a century. Princess Leonor, daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is next in line for the throne.
At 20 years old, Leonor is expected to become Spain’s first reigning queen since Isabella II in the 1800s. This historic development highlights a significant moment in the Spanish monarchy.
The House of Bourbon has led Spain since the early 18th century. After Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, the monarchy was restored in 1975 under Juan Carlos I. He abdicated in 2014 in favor of his son, Felipe VI.
King Felipe VI married former journalist Letizia in 2004. They have two daughters: Princess Leonor, born in 2005, and Infanta Sofia, born in 2007. Leonor is the heir apparent.
Spanish law requires heirs to complete military training across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Leonor studied at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, earning an International Baccalaureate diploma before beginning her military career.
She began Army training in August 2023 in Zaragoza with about 560 cadets. In 2024, she moved to naval training in Galicia, joining a 140-day, 17,000-mile voyage on the Spanish Navy’s training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano.
During the journey, she served as a regular crew member, sailing across the Atlantic, around South America, and up to New York. She also trained aboard the warship of Blas de Lezo before returning to Cadiz in July.
In December 2025, Leonor completed her first solo flight in a Pilatus PC-21. She became the first woman from the Spanish royal family to achieve this milestone.
Currently, Leonor is undergoing Air Force training at the Air and Space Academy in San Javier, Murcia. She received a ceremonial welcome and is set to be awarded the Gold Medal of the Region of Murcia. This is the highest civilian award in the region, recognizing her progress as the future head of Spain’s Armed Forces.
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With her education and military training, Princess Leonor is preparing to lead Spain. Her path sets the stage for a historic reign as Spain’s first reigning queen in 150 years.
