Princess Leonor of Spain made a notable arrival at the port of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, on Friday, May 9, 2025, as part of her six-month training voyage aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano. The ship, a majestic four-masted training vessel, will remain docked in Colombia until May 14 before continuing on to the Dominican Republic and then New York.
In a striking white naval uniform, 19-year-old Leonor greeted onlookers with a bright smile, showcasing the confidence she has developed during her time at sea. Her journey has taken her through various countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, and Chile, before reaching Panama, where she had an emotional reunion with her mother, Queen Letizia.
The reunion occurred on May 4, coinciding with Mother's Day in Spain, after the two had not seen each other for over three months since the ship's departure from Cadiz in January. Images shared by the Spanish royal family captured the touching moment when Leonor rushed to embrace her mother at the port of Fuerte Amador in Panama.
According to royal family sources, Queen Letizia's visit to Panama was not an official engagement and was kept under wraps. She appeared at the port solely for this heartfelt reunion. During her brief stay, Leonor joined her mother for a reception aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano, followed by dinner in a local restaurant and visits to nearby tourist attractions.
Leonor's training aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano is part of her broader military education. Since September 2024, she has been a cadet at the Spanish Naval Academy, where she is gaining practical experience. This voyage represents her first significant undertaking as a future monarch, with a commitment to completing three years of military studies across various academies. After her time at the Naval Academy, she will spend a year at the Air Force Academy.
Throughout her training, Leonor has been performing the same duties as her fellow cadets, demonstrating discipline and a sociable demeanor. She has impressed many with her ability to connect with her peers while maintaining the rigorous standards expected of a future queen. As she continues her journey, she will travel through Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and eventually to the United States.
In a world where royal duties often seem distant from daily life, Leonor's hands-on approach to her training is refreshing. She embodies a new generation of royals who are not only prepared to lead but are also relatable and engaged with their responsibilities. Her experiences aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano are shaping her into a capable leader, ready to take on the future.
As Leonor prepares to return to Spain after her New York visit, she will continue to build her image as a future monarch who is both accessible and committed to her royal duties. Her journey through military academies is not just about tradition; it is about forging a path that connects her to her future role as commander-in-chief of the Spanish armed forces.
Leonor's educational background is also noteworthy. She completed her secondary education in England and has shown a talent for languages, being proficient in English, French, Chinese, and Arabic. This linguistic ability will undoubtedly serve her well in her future engagements as a representative of Spain.
As the world watches her develop, Princess Leonor is poised to become a symbol of modern monarchy—one that embraces tradition while also adapting to the contemporary landscape. Her journey is just beginning, and the next chapters will surely be filled with significant milestones as she navigates her role in the royal family.
