Princess Leonor awarded the same military decoration as King Felipe VI

Princess Leonor has been appointed student naval ensign and will receive the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit with White Distinction, the same prestigious honor awarded to her father, King Felipe VI, in 1988. He received the decoration as Prince of Asturias after completing his training at the General Air Academy, placing Leonor in nearly the same position as she prepares to finish her own three-year military education.

The award marks the final chapter of the Crown heiress’s military training, which has taken her through the General Military Academy, the Naval Military Academy, and now the General Air and Space Academy. It also completes a trio of top military honors. Leonor previously received the Grand Cross of Military Merit after graduating from the General Military Academy in Zaragoza and the Grand Cross of Naval Merit upon completing her training at the Naval Academy in Marín.

Council of Ministers Approves New Appointments

On Monday, June 29, Spain’s Council of Ministers approved two royal decrees marking another milestone in the future queen’s official journey. The first formally appoints Princess Leonor as a student naval ensign, a rank she receives upon completing her studies at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier, Murcia.

The move has been in the works since 2023, when the government approved the royal decree outlining the Princess of Asturias’ military training and career path. The legislation provides for Spain’s future queen to receive the highest honors from each branch of the armed forces as she completes each stage of her military education.

What Is the Grand Cross of Aeronautical Merit with White Distinction?

Under Spanish regulations, this prestigious decoration is awarded for distinguished merit, service, achievements, or contributions carried out during ordinary or extraordinary military missions or for work directly connected to Spain’s national defense.

The medal features a white enameled cross suspended from a white ribbon with two red stripes, each measuring one eighth of the ribbon’s width, with narrow white edging along both sides.

With this latest honor, Princess Leonor has now earned the highest distinctions from all three branches of Spain’s armed forces, adding the Air Force decoration to the two she previously received:

• The Grand Cross of Military Merit, awarded after completing her training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza.
• The Grand Cross of Naval Merit, presented after graduating from the Naval Academy in Marín.

Following in King Felipe VI’s Footsteps

The Princess of Asturias‘ latest appointment closely mirrors her father’s own military career. King Felipe VI received the very same distinction in 1988, when he was Prince of Asturias and had just completed his own training at the General Air Academy.

Thirty eight years later, history is repeating itself with Spain’s future queen, underscoring the importance the monarchy continues to place on preparing the heir to the throne through military service.

Leonor’s Emotional Farewell to Murcia and Her Indie Music Tribute

Princess Leonor’s time in Murcia has left a lasting mark both personally and institutionally. On June 3, she officially said goodbye to the region, receiving an outpouring of public support along with its highest local honors: the Gold Medal of the Regional Assembly of Murcia, presented in Cartagena; the Gold Medal of the Town of San Javier; and the title of Adopted Daughter of the municipality.

During her farewell speech, Leonor surprised many by quoting Cartagena indie rock band Arde Bogotá, offering a cultural reference that resonated with her generation:

“Like a cowboy on the A3, I’ll miss that drive I’ve taken so many times on my way to the sea.”

The lyric was carefully chosen. The song reflects on the open road, returning home, friendship, nostalgia, and the unforgettable journeys that define a chapter of life.

A Fitting Finale in the Sky Alongside the King

The final chapter of Leonor’s military training produced one of the Spanish royal family’s most memorable moments in recent weeks. Official photos and videos captured King Felipe VI and Princess Leonor flying together for the first time in Murcia, each piloting a Pilatus training aircraft side by side.

There are no known public precedents of a father and daughter in the Spanish royal family sharing a flight like this. The occasion served as a symbolic conclusion to Leonor’s military training in San Javier. The images highlighted the dual nature of their relationship. Felipe was clearly a proud father, but he was also the commander in chief of Spain’s armed forces and Leonor’s military superior.

Their heartfelt embrace after landing reflected the close bond they share and reinforced the message that Spain’s future queen has completed a demanding military education and is exceptionally well prepared for the responsibilities that lie ahead.