Meet Princess Leonor, The Gen-Z Royal Set To Become Spain’s First Queen In 150 Years

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 13:44 IST

Princess Leonor, daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is set to become Spain’s first Queen Regnant in nearly 150 years, marking a historic moment for the Bourbon dynasty.

A file photo of Princess Leonor/ Image: Instagram/@leonor_asturias_official)

Princess Leonor, the 20-year-old daughter of Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, stands poised to make history as the country’s first Queen Regnant in nearly 150 years. As the heir presumptive, Leonor will take the throne when her father steps down or dies, marking a significant milestone for Spain’s modern monarchy.

The last woman to rule Spain in her own right was Queen Isabella II in the 19th century, making Leonor’s future reign especially symbolic for the Bourbon dynasty, which has shaped Spanish history since the 1700s.

Princess Leonor’s Early Life And Education

Born in Madrid on October 31, 2005, Leonor is the elder of the royal couple’s two daughters, with a younger sister, Infanta Sofía. She holds the title Princess of Asturias, traditionally granted to the heir to the Spanish throne. From an early age, her upbringing has reflected her future responsibilities.

She studied at Santa María de los Rosales School in Madrid, the same institution attended by her father, before completing the Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, UK. Her education has emphasised constitutional values, global affairs, and diplomacy.

Leonor is multilingual, speaking Spanish, Catalan, English, French, Arabic, and Mandarin. She first addressed the nation at the age of 13 during the Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony, an annual event recognising achievements in science, culture, and public service.

Princess Leonor’s Military Training

In line with Spanish law, the future monarch must complete military training across all three branches of the armed forces. Leonor began this process in 2023 with the Army in Zaragoza, followed by naval training in Galicia in 2024. During this period, she sailed more than 17,000 miles aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano and later served on the warship Blas de Lezo. In December 2025, she became the first female member of the Spanish royal family to complete a solo flight in a military aircraft.

Alongside her training, Leonor has gradually taken on official duties, including state visits within Spain and abroad. While her public appearances remain measured, her preparation signals a carefully planned transition toward a future reign that could redefine Spain’s monarchy for a new generation.

News world Meet Princess Leonor, The Gen-Z Royal Set To Become Spain’s First Queen In 150 Years

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