Final Stages of Naval Training Showcase Princess Leonor's Dedication and Bond
Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne, has spent the past few weeks immersed in an intensive phase of her advanced naval training aboard the Spanish Navy frigate Blas de Lezo. This significant milestone marks a critical step in her preparation to assume future constitutional and military leadership roles in Spain.
The training phase, known as Sinkex-25, was a complex naval combat simulation involving coordinated operations with frigates, submarines, and fighter jets, engaging approximately 1,900 military personnel. The exercise took place at the Naval Base of Las Palmas in the Canary Islands, spanning from mid-June to July 3, 2023.
This phase of training was a significant advance from previous phases, as Princess Leonor participated in live-fire naval combat exercises for the first time, elevating her role from an observer to an active participant on this technologically advanced warship.
Prior to this, Princess Leonor had spent five months aboard the Spanish Navy’s iconic tall ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. Her training voyage covered over 17,000 nautical miles and included stops in 12 ports across eight countries in the Americas. During this period, she received intensive instruction in navigation, seamanship, meteorology, astronomy, and participated in maneuvers and watch duties as part of her second year of a comprehensive three-year military training program.
Following the completion of her naval training on Blas de Lezo, Princess Leonor is expected to continue her military education with further training potentially at the Academia del Ejército in Murcia. Upon finishing her full three-year program, she will become the first female member of the Spanish royal family to complete all three branches of the armed forces.
Princess Leonor's good relationship with her companions and her naturalness in the military environment have been particularly valued by those who accompany her. The new images released by the Royal Household show Princess Leonor fully integrated into life on board, participating in exercises and theoretical classes. In one image, she can be seen making presentations to her companions, demonstrating her leadership capacity.
During her voyage, Princess Leonor made a historic visit to Ceuta, eighteen years after King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía's last visit. Her trip took her from Peru to Brazil, with a final stop in New York. These visits strengthen her bond with Spain’s history and geography.
The experience on the Blas de Lezo is a practical and human learning experience for King Felipe VI's daughter. It is also a testament to the modernization of the Spanish monarchy, as Princess Leonor continues to break new ground in her military training and public engagements.
As Princess Leonor concludes her military training on the Fragata Blas de Lezo on July 3, 2023, her image as the future head of the Armed Forces is consolidated. The Princess has shown a close attitude and willingness to learn and share knowledge during her training, further demonstrating her dedication to her future roles.
The naval combat simulation during Princess Leonor's training phase, known as Sinkex-25, was a complex general-news event involving various military personnel and multiple branches of the armed forces. Moreover, Princess Leonor's active participation in live-fire naval combat exercises during this phase signifies a significant shift in her role from an observer to an active participant, highlighting her dedication to her future constitutional and military leadership roles in the politics of Spain.
