First Queen of Spain: Everything You Need to Know About Princess Leonor

Spain has a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The king is the symbolic head of state. However, actual political power sits with an elected parliament and government.

The current king, King Felipe VI, has been ruling the nation since 2014 and resides in Zarzuela Palace with his wife, Queen Letizia, and their two daughters. 

But here's the catch. Her eldest daughter, Princess Leonor, is capturing the world's attention. She is set to be the heir to the throne and make history. When she becomes monarch, she will be Spain's first queen regnant in over 150 years. 

To prepare for this significant role, she is currently receiving intense military training in the army, navy, and air force.

In this article, we will look at her life, education, and the importance of her upcoming reign for modern Spain. Here is everything you need to know about the future queen.

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Who is Princess Leonor?

Princess Leonor is the future Queen of Spain. She was born on October 31, 2005, in Madrid. She is the oldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. As their first child, she holds the title of Princess of Asturias.

She is first in line for the Spanish throne. When she becomes queen, she will be Spain’s first queen regnant since the 1800s. Leonor is often viewed as the face of the modern Spanish monarchy. She speaks several languages, including Spanish, English, Catalan, and Mandarin.

What Does Princess Leonor Study?

The Princess has a high level of education to prepare for her future role.  

• She completed her secondary education at Santa María de los Rosales School in Madrid.  
• Additionally, she studied for two years at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, UK, where she graduated in May 2023.
• Currently, she is focused on her military education, and just like her father, she is expected to study Law or a similar degree at a university after completing her military service.

Why Is She Undergoing Intense Military Training?

La Princesa Leonor y la Reina Letizia en la tradicional celebración de la Pascua Militar.#PrincesaLeonor #PrincessLeonor pic.twitter.com/iR3mU1o47V

— Princesa Leonor (@PrincesaLeonor4) January 7, 2026

In Spain, the monarch is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Therefore, Leonor will need to be prepared to lead the military one day.

• Three-Year Plan: She is spending one year with each branch: the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.
• Army Training: She started at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza.
• Navy Training: She spent time at the Naval Military School and sailed on a training ship.
• Air Force: She is currently learning to fly at the General Air Academy.
• Tradition: This follows the exact path her father and grandfather took to gain the respect of the military.

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What Honours Has Princess Leonor Received?

As the future Queen, Princess Leonor has already received some of Spain's top awards. These honours show she is prepared to serve the country.

• Order of the Golden Fleece: Given by her father on her 10th birthday. It is the most prestigious order in Spain.
• Order of Charles III: She received the "Collar" of this order on her 18th birthday.
• Military Honours: She holds the Grand Cross of Military Merit (White Decoration) and the
• Grand Cross of Naval Merit.
• Regional Awards: She has been named the "Adopted Daughter" of Zaragoza and holds the Gold Medal of Galicia.

What is the Coat of Arms of Princess Leonor?

The Coat of Arms of the Princess of Asturias is her official heraldic symbol. It was updated in 2015 to include specific details for her. 

• The Shield: It is divided into sections that represent the historic kingdoms of Spain: Castile (castle), León (lion), Aragon (stripes), Navarre (chains), and Granada (pomegranate).
• The Difference: The shield has a blue label with three points. This is a traditional symbol for the next person in line for the throne.
• The Crown: At the top is the Princess's Crown, which has four arches instead of the eight found on the King's crown. 
• The Golden Fleece: The shield is surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece.

What Coins Feature Princess Leonor?

The Spanish Royal Mint has released special coins to celebrate important events in Leonor's life. Collectors value these coins highly.

• 18th Birthday Coin (2023): A silver €40 coin was issued for her coming of age. One side shows her face, and the other displays her Coat of Arms in colour. 
• 1,300th Anniversary Coin (2018): Her first coin, a €30 silver piece, features her with King Felipe VI to honour the Kingdom of Asturias.
• Family Commemorative (2024): A special €50 silver coin was released, showcasing the entire Royal Family to mark the 10th anniversary of King Felipe's reign.

Who Was The Last Ruling Queen Of Spain?

The last ruling queen of Spain was Queen Isabella II. She ruled from 1833 to 1868. She became queen when she was only three years old. Her reign marked a period of significant change as Spain transitioned to a modern government. She is the only woman to have ruled a unified Spain as a queen regnant.

Who Is The Future Queen Of Spain?

The future queen of Spain is Princess Leonor. She is the oldest daughter of King Felipe VI and the heir to the throne. Leonor is now a young adult and is working hard for her future role. When she becomes queen, she will be the first woman to rule Spain in more than 150 years.

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