Princess Leonor of Spain has been photographed for the first time in military school as she begins a three-year training course.
The heir to the Spanish throne, 17, must complete the three years in keeping with tradition as she follows the path of her father, King Felipe.
Pictured at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza on her first full day of study, Leonor always looked like the military princess, dressed in camouflage and concentrated in lessons.
Known for her chic style just like her mother, Queen Letizia, 51, the princess wore a much more functional outfit today as she stood at attention with her hair pulled back in a tight bun.
The first photos of the princess in military uniform come as her mother and younger sister, Infanta Sofia, 16, fly halfway around the world to support Spain in the Women’s World Cup final as they prepare to battle the lionesses.
Princess Leonor of Spain, 17, is photographed for the first time in her military uniform on her first full day at Zaragoza General Military Academy
As she begins three years of military training in the Air Force, Navy, and Army, Leonor is already hard at work in classes and is pictured taking notes, practicing drills, and saluting officers.
She arrived at the Academy in Zaragoza with her family on Thursday and was assigned to the Cadet Battalion.
The future Queen of Spain’s first lessons at the school will take place in a module that will help her adapt to military life.
Despite the enormity of the task ahead, the teen looked relaxed as she waved to well-wishers and smiled for photos alongside King Felipe, who donned military uniform for the occasion.
Known for her chic style, the heiress to the Spanish throne still exuded elegance in her camouflage uniform
Leonor’s face was the picture of concentration as she took notes on her first full day at military college
The princess wore a camouflage hat and a functional sports watch in line with the military uniform
Princess Leonor and her fellow soldiers-in-training open their equipment and inspect the elements
The princess looked regal as she stood to attention as the blistering sun shone down on her
Leonor – who admitted she was “excited” but also “nervous” – was dressed in white jeans and a blue shirt, while her sister Sofia, 16, was also coordinated in summer jeans, trainers and a green patterned top.
Proud Mother Queen Letizia was typically elegant in a neutral trouser suit and matching flats.
After bidding farewell to her eldest daughter, Queen Letizia got ready to board an international flight to Australia, where she will cheer for Spain’s women’s football team on Sunday at Stadium Australia in Sydney as they take on England in the World Cup final .
According to heraldo.esshe stays in a cabin with as many as twelve other students and gets a haircut before the first training session and is given basic military equipment.
She will be entitled to a salary of 417, although the palace has said she will waive it.
Princess Leonor (pictured center back) is assigned to the Cadet Battalion
In addition to the canouflage uniform required for all members of the battalion, Leonor also wore heavy boots
The princess looked deeply concentrated during one of her first classes, where she learns how to adapt to military life
While a fellow soldier coached her, Leonor listened intently
Like a boarding school, the military academy follows a strict timetable during the week. but Leonor will be free to return home on weekends if she has no maneuvers.
Leonor graduated in May with an International Baccalaureate from UWC Atlantic College in the Welsh county of Vale of Glamorgan.
The school is often referred to as ‘Hippie Hogwarts’ due to its progressive approach to education and picturesque castle setting.
Founded by German educator Kurt Hahn, it is located in 12th-century St. Donat’s Castle on the south coast of the country and costs a whopping £67,000 a year for courses including Tai Chi, the theory of knowledge and Tibetan literature.
Leonor will start as a military recruit next month, following in the footsteps of her father King Felipe and her grandfather Juan Carlos, all of whom have had military training in each of the country’s three armed forces.
After graduating from the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, the Spanish equivalent of Sandhurst, she attends Naval Academy and completes her three years at the General Air Academy.
The princess, who will turn 18 in October, revealed her excitement about becoming a cadet soon at the Princesa de Girona Foundation awards ceremony in Girona, Catalonia, on July 5.
She said, “I’ve just finished high school and I’m about to start a new phase with a period of military training.
“I’m happy because I know how much the Spaniards value our armed forces… it’s an important moment in my life and I feel very excited and determined to continue learning and doing my very best.”
She shared the news in Spanish, Catalan and English, much to the delight of the prize crowd, while wearing an emerald green dress and golden metallic shoes.