Princess Leonor showered with affection as she turns into junior officer
King Felipe and Queen Letizia looked every inch the proud parents as Princess Leonor officially became a junior army officer today.
The Spanish King and Queen travelled to Zaragoza in Northern Spain for today’s ceremony, which saw Felipe hand out new appointments at the General Military Academy.
Princess Leonor is less than one year into her training at Zaragoza military academy, where her father was also a student from 1985-1988.
King Felipe was seen presenting his eldest daughter, 18, with a badge during the ceremony, which he attached to her uniform as she gave him a salute.
The future Queen has received her ensign’s commission at the Spanish General Army Academy today – meaning she is now a junior officer.
Pictured: King Felipe seen beaming at his daughter Princess Leonor during the military ceremony in Northern Spain today
Afterwards, the King placed a loving hand on his daughter’s shoulders – before she took her spot next to him.
Later, Queen Letizia, who was dressed in an elegant white floral dress, was also seen giving her daughter a warm hug – as Leonor’s sister Sofia watched on.
Princess Leonor will complete three years of training at the military academy before then moving on to the General Air Academy.
When she first arrived at the academy, Leonor completed a module to help her adapt to military life – with the Palace releasing images of the royal taking part in lessons in the classroom.
According to heraldo.es, she is staying in a cabin with as many as twelve other students and was given basic military equipment before the first training session.
During her three years at the academy, Leonor will be entitled to a salary of €417-a-month. However, the palace has said she will not claim the salary.
Rather like a boarding school, the military academy follows a strict timetable during the week. but Leonor will be free to return home at the weekends if she’s not on manoeuvres.
Pictured: King Felipe puts a loving hand on his daughter Princess Leonor’s shoulder as she officially became a junior officer today
Queen Letizia, who was dressed in an elegant white floral dress, was also seen giving her daughter a warm hug
The Spanish Royal Family – including Princess Sofia – were out in full force for the military ceremony today
Princess Leonor looked smart with her long hair styled in a neat bun for the military ceremony in Northern Spain
King Felipe was seen presenting his eldest daughter, 18, with a badge during the ceremony, which he attached to her uniform as she gave him a salute
Left: Queen Letizia opted for an elegant white floral print dress. Right: Princess Sofia of Spain looked chic in a striped asymmetric dress
Earlier this year, Princess Leonor was elected the ‘Adopted Daughter’ of Zaragoza and received the Medal of Aragon and the Medal of the Cortes during a ceremony at Aljaferia Palace.
The new title has been given to Leonor by the city council to ‘acknowledge the city’s affection for the Princess of Asturias, to appreciate her significance for both the Aragonese capital and Spain, and to express gratitude for her connection to the city’.
The honour is given to individuals who have made significant social, political, economic, cultural or scientific contributions to the city.
Leonor’s father King Felipe, 56, received the title of ‘Adopted Son’ of Zaragoza 38 years ago when he was a student in the province.
Meanwhile, the Medal of the Courts was first established in 1986 to recognise recipients who were promoting ‘Aragonese values and identity’, Newzee reports.
For the occasion, Leonor looked smart in her khaki uniform, red military beret and black boots.
The royal styled her long hair a sleek, plaited bun as she needed to remove her hat for the ceremony.
Leonor is reportedly in the middle of her exam season and is expected to attend Spain’s Armed Forces Day on 1 June.
In May, King Felipe returned to Zaragoza Academy with Queen Letizia for a ceremony recognising his three decades of military service.
