Princess Leonor of Spain, formally known as Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz, is the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Born on October 31, 2005, in Madrid, she holds the title Princess of Asturias, which traditionally belongs to the heir to the Spanish throne. As the first in line to succeed her father, Leonor represents both the future of Spain’s monarchy and the hopes of a new generation.
From an early age, Princess Leonor has been raised with a strong sense of duty and preparation for her future role. Her education reflects that commitment. She attended the Santa María de los Rosales School in Madrid, the same institution her father once attended, before continuing her studies abroad at UWC Atlantic College in Wales—an institution known for its focus on international understanding and leadership. After completing her International Baccalaureate there, she began military training in 2023 at Spain’s General Military Academy in Zaragoza. This training, which will last three years, includes time with the navy and air force as well. It mirrors the path taken by her father and is designed to give her a deep understanding of the country’s armed forces, an important aspect of her future constitutional role as head of state.
Leonor’s public appearances have been carefully managed by the royal household, striking a balance between privacy and public duty. Her first major public speech came in 2019 at the Princess of Asturias Awards, an annual event that celebrates cultural and scientific achievements. Delivering the speech with poise and maturity, she impressed both Spanish citizens and international observers. Since then, her confidence and public speaking skills have grown steadily, signaling her readiness to take on greater responsibilities in the years ahead.
Beyond her royal duties, Princess Leonor has become a symbol of modernity within Spain’s royal family. Her upbringing reflects contemporary values—her parents have emphasized education, empathy, and service rather than privilege. She is fluent in several languages, including Spanish, English, and Catalan, and is also learning Arabic. This linguistic ability will help her connect with Spain’s diverse regions and international partners in the future.
Public opinion of Princess Leonor has been largely positive, even among those who are skeptical of the monarchy. Many Spaniards see her as a fresh and promising figure who could help renew the institution’s image after years of scrutiny and scandal involving older members of the royal family. Her discipline, humility, and quiet determination have drawn comparisons to her father, who is widely respected for restoring a sense of stability and dignity to the throne.
As she continues her education and military service, Princess Leonor stands at a significant crossroads. Her generation faces challenges that previous monarchs did not—rising political polarization, the evolving role of women in leadership, and the need for institutions to earn public trust through transparency and service. How she responds to these challenges will shape not only her future reign but also the relevance of Spain’s monarchy in the 21st century. For now, Princess Leonor remains a young leader in the making, preparing steadily for the day she becomes Queen.
