Spain Prepares for its First Queen in 150 Years
Spain is standing on the brink of a historic transformation. For the first time in nearly a century and a half, the nation is preparing to see a woman ascend the throne in her own right. At the center of this shift is Princess Leonor, a 20-year-old royal who represents the modern face of the Bourbon dynasty.
While there is no immediate timeline for the transition, Leonor will eventually succeed her father, King Felipe VI. When that day comes, she will become Spain’s first reigning queen since Isabella II, whose rule ended back in 1868.
A Global Education
Born in Madrid in 2005 to King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Leonor holds the title of Princess of Asturias. Her preparation for the crown has been intense and globally focused. She completed her International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, an institution famous for educating future world leaders.
Her academic background is impressive. Beyond her studies in diplomacy and constitutional values, Leonor is a skilled linguist. She is fluent in Spanish, Catalan, English, and French, with additional working knowledge of Mandarin and Arabic.
Military Milestones and Solo Flights
Spanish law requires the future monarch to understand every branch of the armed forces, and Leonor has embraced this challenge. She began her military journey in 2023 with the army in Zaragoza before moving to naval training. Her naval service included a massive 17,000-mile voyage across the Atlantic to New York aboard a training ship.
Recently, in December 2025, Princess Leonor achieved a major personal milestone. She completed her first solo flight in a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, making her the first woman in the Spanish royal family to accomplish such a feat.
A Modern Royal Icon
Leonor is also stepping into the public eye with confidence. She has been undertaking solo engagements since age 15. While she has faced the usual public curiosity—including unconfirmed rumors linking her to Spanish footballer Gavi—she has remained focused on her duties.
As she finishes her time at the Air and Space Academy, Princess Leonor stands ready to blend tradition with Gen Z modernity, signaling a new era for the Spanish crown.
