Princess Leonor Embarks on Naval Training Journey, Following in Royal Footsteps
Princess Leonor of Spain has set sail on her naval training journey, echoing the esteemed path of her father, King Felipe VI. On Saturday, she boarded the Spanish Navy's training ship, Juan Sebastián Elcano, from the Cádiz dock, amidst a crowd of supporters and loved ones. Out of 75 midshipmen on this 97th training cruise, Leonor is one of only nine women, marking a significant step in her military training.
The event began at 10:00 AM, drawing numerous attendees, including family, friends, and partners of the midshipmen, who gathered to witness the ceremonial embarkation. As the commanderin-chief of the Armed Forces, King Felipe VI arrived with Queen Letizia, just as the clock struck 11:00 AM. He presided over the ceremony, offering words of encouragement to the young cadets as they embarked on this significant journey.
In his speech, King Felipe VI emphasized the honor associated with their roles, stating, "Always remember that you carry the prestige and image of Spain on your shoulders." He, along with Letizia, wished the students fair seas and beneficial winds while urging them to take full advantage of their training, both as sailors and representatives of Spain.
Emotions ran high as the royal couple shared their farewells with Leonor. Photographs captured the poignant moments before the ship set sail, including Queen Letizia blowing kisses to her daughter and wiping away tears, a testament to the bittersweet nature of the day. Observing from the dock, both Felipe and Letizia watched as the ship departed, marking the start of a new chapter for their daughter.
Prior to departure, the midshipmen participated in a traditional Mass at the Convent of Santo Domingo in Cádiz, accompanied by music and procession, instilling a sense of cultural and historical significance before their voyage. Princess Leonor and her fellow cadets will traverse a series of destinations, including New York, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and more, before returning to Spain for further training aboard a frigate.
The path Leonor now embarks on mirrors that taken by her father, who also trained aboard the Elcano at age 18 in 1987, leaving an indelible mark on his military career. In his address, he reflected fondly on this experience, encouraging Leonor to embrace the challenges and educative nature of life at sea.
Her training aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano will culminate with a homecoming to the Naval School in Marín, scheduled for July 9, where she will continue her development as a capable naval officer. Princess Leonor's journey signifies not only personal growth but also a continuation of a proud royal tradition within the Spanish Navy, fostering a new generation of leaders ready to represent their country on the global stage.
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