Princess Leonor of Spain is currently navigating a pivotal chapter in her military training, which commenced on January 11, 2025, aboard the naval training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano from the port of Cádiz. This experience aims to solidify her future role as the heir to the Spanish throne, yet it has not unfolded without its share of complications.
Throughout the initial months, Leonor has encountered significant health issues. Early in her training, she struggled with motion sickness—a condition that triggers severe dizziness and nausea at sea—along with other digestive problems. These health concerns have raised considerable alarm, particularly for her mother, Queen Letizia, who has openly shared her apprehensions regarding her daughter's participation in such rigorous military training.
However, the challenges for the young princess extend beyond her physical well-being. Reports about her personal life have captivated and alarmed the public. Leaked images showcasing Leonor enjoying her time in Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile—sometimes while sporting casual attire—have led to a wave of media scrutiny that has left the royal family grappling with issues surrounding privacy and security. These incidents, particularly during downtime, have generated unrest within the royal quarters at Zarzuela, amplifying the pressures on Leonor as she adapts to life in the public eye.
As part of her naval journey, the Juan Sebastián Elcano is slated to dock in Callao, Peru, on April 18, 2025. However, this impending visit occurs at a tumultuous time: a state of emergency has been declared in the region as of March 18, 2025, following a surge in violence linked to criminal activities, most notably marked by the recent assassination of local singer Paul Flores of the cumbia band Armonía 10. This alarming situation has necessitated security measures that will directly impact the ship's planned activities when it arrives.
The government in Peru has enacted this state of emergency to combat increasing levels of organized crime by instituting restrictions on public gatherings and enhancing security via armed forces deployments. While the decree is anticipated to expire on the same day as the ship's scheduled arrival, local media, including Cosas, have speculated that the security situation might require adjustments to the ship's itinerary or activities.
In light of the potential risks, discussions have escalated within the royal family regarding Princess Leonor’s safety. Detailing these internal dialogues, various senior officials within the Royal House are contemplating whether the Juan Sebastián Elcano should alter its route entirely or if Leonor should temporarily disembark before the ship arrives in Callao. Queen Letizia has proposed that if the decision is taken to proceed toward Callao, it might be wiser to allow Leonor to leave the vessel until the ship continues its journey safely, indicating a cautious approach to the situation.
These deliberations reflect the royal family's deep commitment to balancing the necessity of training and public duties with the paramount concern for Leonor's safety. As a young heir facing unprecedented pressures, Leonor's experience at sea is a formative journey—one that is regretfully complicated by health concerns and security threats. The Spanish royal family is continually adapting to the evolving dynamics of security, media scrutiny, and personal well-being as they support Leonor in her path toward becoming Spain's next monarch.
As Princess Leonor embarks on these significant training adventures, the intersection of her royal obligations and personal development shines a light on the unique challenges she faces. The decisions made by her family could reshape not only her military journey but her future as a leader of Spain in an ever-changing world.
