Princess Leonor of Spain has quickly become one of the most fascinating young royals in Europe—not just because she is the future Queen of Spain, but because of how intentionally her education has been shaped to prepare her for a modern monarchy. Her academic journey blends tradition, leadership training, diplomacy, and global exposure, making her path very different from that of previous Spanish monarchs.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to prepare for a royal role in the 21st century, Princess Leonor’s education offers an inside look at how a future monarch is molded long before the crown ever lands on her head.
Let’s walk through her early schooling, international studies, military training, and what all of this means for her future as Queen.
Early Education: Growing Up Grounded in Tradition and Discipline
Before the spotlight and global attention, Princess Leonor began her education much like other children—just with an extraordinary destiny waiting ahead.
Leonor attended Santa María de los Rosales School in Madrid, a private institution known for its rigorous academics and strong emphasis on values like respect, responsibility, and leadership. This is the same school her father, King Felipe VI, attended, continuing a meaningful family tradition.
What made her early education especially unique was how carefully it was balanced. On the one hand, she had a mostly normal school experience, studying languages, science, mathematics, arts, and social studies. On the other hand, she received specialized preparation tailored to her future role. This included:
- Public speaking coaching
- Instruction on Spanish constitutional law
- Lessons on royal protocol and diplomacy
- A strong focus on multilingualism
From a young age, Leonor was not just learning about the world—she was learning how to represent a nation.
Mastering Languages: A Must-Have Skill for a Future Monarch
In today’s world, the ability to communicate across borders is essential for any royal. For Princess Leonor, multilingual education has always been a priority.
By her early teens, she was already fluent in:
- Spanish – her native language
- English – spoken frequently at home
- Catalan, Galician, and Basque – co-official languages of Spain
- French – taught throughout school
Her polished accents and strong command of English have been praised internationally, especially during her first public speeches abroad. This linguistic range reflects the monarchy’s commitment to representing all cultural regions of Spain as well as maintaining strong global relationships.
UWC Atlantic College: A Global Classroom for a Future Queen
One of the biggest turning points in Princess Leonor’s academic journey came in 2021, when she enrolled in UWC Atlantic College in Wales. Often described as “Hogwarts for world leaders,” the United World Colleges network is known for producing future diplomats, activists, and innovators.
Famous alumni include royals, future presidents, and Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
At Atlantic College, Leonor pursued the International Baccalaureate (IB), one of the most academically demanding programs in the world. But the experience at UWC goes far beyond textbooks.
Here’s what made it such a transformative step:
1. A True Global Environment
Students come from over 80+ countries, giving her daily exposure to different cultures, beliefs, and worldviews.
2. Leadership and Service
UWC emphasizes social responsibility, community service, and collaboration—qualities essential for modern leadership.
3. Independence
Living in a boarding school setting allowed her to gain independence, privacy, and maturity away from royal protocol.
4. Real-World Projects
She participated in sustainability programs, outdoor challenges, and community initiatives designed to build resilience and creativity.
Many royal observers call this the moment Princess Leonor truly began preparing for her future role on the world stage.
Military Training: Following the Path of Her Father, King Felipe VI
After graduating in 2023, Leonor began a new chapter that set her apart from many European heirs—comprehensive military training.
As Spain’s future head of the armed forces, this step is not symbolic; it is part of her constitutional duty.
Her three-year military program includes:
- Army training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza
- Navy training at the Naval School in Marín, including time aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano
- Air Force instruction at the General Air Academy in Murcia
Military training has given her:
- Discipline and resilience
- Leadership foundations
- Physical strength and endurance
- A deep understanding of national defense
Public support for Leonor has grown significantly during this period, as many saw her commitment as a strong sign of dedication to her future responsibilities.
Public Duties and Education: A Training Ground in Real Time
While studying, Princess Leonor has also slowly assumed more royal duties. These appearances act as a “practical curriculum” that complements her academic and military training.
Some of her major milestones include:
- Her first official speech at age 13 for the Princess of Asturias Awards
- Participating in national ceremonies such as Spain’s National Day
- Representing Spain internationally
- Undertaking solo engagements to build confidence and experience
Each event allows her to practice public speaking, diplomacy, and state protocol—all crucial skills for her future as monarch.
A Modern Approach to Royal Education
What makes Princess Leonor’s educational journey stand out is how intentionally modern it is. Instead of relying solely on tradition, the Spanish royal family has blended contemporary learning with royal responsibility.
Her education focuses on three major pillars:
1. Global Awareness
International schooling and multilingual training prepare her for a globally connected world.
2. Leadership and Public Service
From UWC’s community-driven model to military discipline, everything is designed to build confidence, grit, and character.
3. National Duty
Through public appearances and constitutional training, she is learning the delicate balance of being a symbolic leader and a unifying national figure.
It’s a holistic blueprint for preparing a young woman not just to wear a crown—but to lead a nation.
What Princess Leonor’s Education Means for Spain’s Future
Spain’s monarchy has faced challenges over the years, from political tensions to public debates about its role. But Princess Leonor’s generation represents a shift toward transparency, modernization, and global engagement.
Her education positions her to be:
- More relatable to young Spaniards
- More diplomatically prepared
- More globally aware
- More grounded in service and responsibility
In many ways, Leonor embodies what a 21st-century monarch should look like—educated, disciplined, internationally minded, and connected to the people she will one day represent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What degree or university will Princess Leonor attend after military training?
As of now, the Spanish Royal Household has not officially announced where she will study after completing her three-year military program. However, royal insiders expect her to pursue a university degree—possibly in law, political science, international relations, or another field closely related to governance. It is highly likely she will study either in Spain or at a prestigious international university, continuing the modern educational path set by her father, King Felipe VI.
2. Why is military training mandatory for Princess Leonor?
As the future Spanish monarch, Leonor will serve as the supreme commander of Spain’s armed forces, a constitutional role outlined in the Spanish Constitution. Her military preparation ensures she understands leadership, defense, strategy, and national security from the inside out. It also follows the precedent set by King Felipe VI, who completed the same three-branch military training before becoming king.