Princess Leonor's experience aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano has proven to be far from the ideal formative journey envisioned by the Spanish Royal House. Three months into her military preparation, a series of challenges have emerged, leading to significant concerns about her well-being and the overall situation aboard the ship. Leaks to the press, health issues, and rising tensions between King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia Ortiz have prompted the Spanish Royal House to consider a discreet withdrawal of Leonor from the ship.
At just 18 years old, Leonor has struggled to adapt to life at sea. Reports indicate she has suffered from persistent dizziness, falls, and visible bruises, painting a stark contrast to the heroic narrative some media outlets attempted to portray. The situation escalated when leaked photographs of the princess sparked a heated argument between her parents, leading to discussions about her departure from the training ship.
Queen Letizia has been particularly uneasy about Leonor's military training, perceiving the combination of military life and media scrutiny as an unnecessary burden on her daughter. In recent weeks, she has sought a reason to bring Leonor back to land temporarily. The upcoming 18th birthday of Infanta Sofía on April 29, 2025, has been suggested as a perfect opportunity for a discreet return, without any official announcements or press releases.
However, King Felipe VI remains concerned that an early withdrawal could harm the institutional image of the monarchy. He believes that Leonor's military training is essential for her future role as head of state. As speculation mounts within the Palace, it is rumored that Leonor may not return to the ship after her sister's birthday.
Adding to the complexities, the Juan Sebastián Elcano recently arrived at the Peruvian port of Callao on April 18, 2025, amidst high expectations for Leonor's public appearance. However, she did not make any public appearances during the ship's docking, which raised eyebrows among those present, including representatives from the Spanish Embassy and various media outlets.
The ship, which carries 76 midshipmen, including Leonor, docked at around 8:40 a.m. local time after a day of anchoring off the coast. While the other midshipmen greeted the crowd from the deck, Leonor's absence was notable. The ship's commander, Captain Luis Carreras-Presas do Campo, led the official greetings but did not address Leonor's lack of visibility.
The Spanish Navy described the Juan Sebastián Elcano as a vital tool in the training of future officers but provided no details about Leonor's specific activities during this stop. The visit comes at a time when Lima and Callao are under a state of emergency due to rising crime rates, which has restricted the movement of citizens and limited public gatherings.
The ship's stop in Peru is part of a broader journey that began on January 11, 2025, from Cádiz, Spain. This is the fourth country the Juan Sebastián Elcano has visited, following stops in Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. After Callao, the ship will continue its journey to Panama, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and the United States, with a planned return to Spain in July.
Leonor's journey has not been without its challenges. Reports indicate that she has faced significant difficulties adjusting to the demands of life aboard the ship. Unlike her fellow midshipmen, who have undergone three years of training, Leonor had only three months of preparation before boarding. This disparity has made her initial days particularly arduous, with persistent seasickness and isolation due to her inability to cope with the ship's constant movement.
In addition to her physical challenges, Leonor's privacy has been compromised by the intense media scrutiny surrounding her. Unlike previous generations, today's princesses face a barrage of cameras and social media, which has led to the circulation of unauthorized images, including one of her sunbathing in a bikini. In response, the Royal House has reportedly increased security measures to protect her privacy.
Life aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano is also a far cry from the comforts of home. Leonor shares a cramped cabin with three other girls, sleeping in bunk beds with limited amenities. The shared showers and rationed water have posed additional challenges for the princess, who is known for her cleanliness and dislike of sweat. The conditions aboard have contributed to her discomfort and stress during the voyage.
Despite these difficulties, the Juan Sebastián Elcano remains an emblem of the Spanish Navy, having been in service since 1927 and participating in numerous interoceanic voyages. The ship's mission is not only to train future naval officers but also to strengthen diplomatic ties through cultural exchanges during port visits.
As the Juan Sebastián Elcano continues its journey, the situation surrounding Princess Leonor remains fluid. With her sister's birthday approaching, the Royal House's plans for her future aboard the ship are closely watched by both the public and the media. Will she stay the course or will her experiences lead to a significant change in her training path? Only time will tell.
