Spain is on the brink of a historic shift as Princess Leonor, the 20-year-old eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, prepares to become the country’s first Queen Regnant in nearly a century and a half. As the heir presumptive, Leonor’s eventual ascension will mark the first time a woman has occupied the Spanish throne in her own right since Queen Isabella II in the 19th century.
A Milestone Birthday & Education
Born in Madrid on October 31, 2005, Leonor officially entered her twenties this past October. Her upbringing has been a masterclass in modern royal preparation:
- Academic Excellence: After attending the Santa María de los Rosales School in Madrid, she earned her International Baccalaureate from UWC Atlantic College in Wales—an institution known for its focus on global diplomacy and social responsibility.
- Linguistic Prowess: The future Queen is a noted polyglot, fluent in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French, with a working knowledge of Arabic and Mandarin.
The “Top Gun” Princess: Military Milestones
In a constitutional requirement to eventually serve as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Leonor is currently in the final stretch of a rigorous three-year military program:
- The High Seas (2024-2025): She spent 140 days aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, sailing over 17,000 miles across the Atlantic and around South America.
- Historic Solo Flight (Dec 2025): In a landmark moment for the Bourbon dynasty, Leonor successfully completed her first solo flight in a Pilatus PC-21 military aircraft at the San Javier Air Academy in Murcia on December 18, 2025.
- Current Status (Jan 2026): Now holding the rank of Alférez Borbón (Ensign), she was the star of the recent Pascua Militar ceremony on January 6, 2026, appearing as the “spitting image” of her father in full ceremonial Air Force blue.
Redefining the Monarchy for a New Generation
Leonor’s rise comes at a time when the Spanish monarchy is seeking to distance itself from past scandals.
“I ask you to trust me, as I have placed all my trust in our future,” she stated during her 18th-birthday constitutional oath.
While King Felipe remains on the throne, Leonor has seen a dramatic increase in her solo public profile, recently being honored with the Gold Medal of the Region of Murcia for her military dedication. Following the completion of her service in June 2026, she is expected to pursue university studies in Law and International Relations.