Born on October 31, 2005, Princess Leonor, the 18-year-old daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, has become a focal point of attention not only because of her royal lineage but also due to her outstanding education. Officially named Princess Leonor de Todos los Santos de Borbón y Ortiz, she was born at the Ruber International Hospital in Madrid, and from a young age, her life has been dedicated to serving the community and fulfilling royal responsibilities.
As the eldest daughter and heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor holds the title of Princess of Asturias, a traditional designation for the heir to the Spanish monarchy. From an early age, King Felipe ensured that Leonor received a balanced education, mixing royal duties with childhood pleasures. Her education began at the Escuela Infantil Guardia Real, a nursery for children of the Royal Guard.
A Modern Approach to Education
Leonor’s education has always been a subject of public interest. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, strong advocates of education, chose to enroll Leonor in a private institution, Santa María de los Rosales School in Madrid. This decision marked a shift from the traditional royal practice of educating heirs through private tutors within the palace walls. Both King Felipe and Leonor’s younger sister, Princess Sofía, also attended the same school, which is known for its academic excellence and holistic development approach.
Founded in 1958, Santa María de los Rosales has a long history of nurturing young minds and promoting community values. The Royal Family’s choice of this school underscores their commitment to balancing tradition with modernity, preparing Princess Leonor for a life of leadership that connects her with the everyday lives of her future subjects.
Multilingual Excellence
A key focus at Santa María de los Rosales is multilingualism, and Princess Leonor has excelled in this area. In addition to her native Spanish, she is fluent in English, which she learned from her British nanny and her grandmother, Queen Sofía. According to The Telegraph, Leonor has also studied Chinese, demonstrating her keen linguistic abilities.
International and Military Education
Beyond the walls of the classroom, Princess Leonor’s education has extended to international studies. In September 2021, she enrolled in a two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) program at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, an institution known for its rigorous curriculum and global perspective. The IB program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and international understanding, further equipping Leonor for her future role.
Her royal duties also include military training. After graduating in May 2023, Leonor began a three-year military education program at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza. She will continue with two years of naval and air force training, following in her father’s footsteps, at the Naval Military Academy in Marín and the Air Force Academy in Murcia.
A Future Queen in the Making
As Princess Leonor takes on more public responsibilities in the coming years, her well-rounded education will be vital in shaping her worldview and guiding her decisions. Her academic journey reflects the careful balance between royal expectations and a comprehensive, modern education, preparing her to lead a rapidly changing world.
At 18, Princess Leonor was officially declared the heir to the Spanish throne. If she ascends the throne as expected, she will be Spain’s first Queen Regnant since Isabella II, who reigned from 1833 to 1868.
