04.06.2026 23:31
Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, made history in her military training by successfully completing the parachute course that even her father, King Felipe, and grandfather, Juan Carlos, could not finish; the young princess became the first royal member to receive the "Parachute Commando" badge, earning great admiration for her courage during the jump exercises from the aircraft.
The first-in-line heir to the Spanish throne, Crown Princess Leonor, has made an unprecedented mark in her military career, etching her name in golden letters in royal history. The future Queen of Spain has successfully completed basic parachute training, one of the most challenging stages of her military education, with outstanding performance, earning the "Paratrooper Commando" badge.
SHE SURPASSED HER FATHER AND GRANDFATHER
Princess Leonor, who participated in the intensive two-week training held in the Murcia region alongside approximately 50 military cadets, flawlessly executed parachute jumps from aircraft using automatic-opening parachutes.
The young princess, who crowned this challenging training with a certificate of achievement, became the first member of the Spanish royal family to earn this title and badge in royal history. Leonor's success showed that she has surpassed her father, King Felipe VI, and her grandfather Juan Carlos, who did not complete the parachute course during their military training.
KING FELIPE: "I AM PROUD OF MY DAUGHTER"
In the images shared by the Spanish Royal Palace, a princess profile stood out: one who jumps from the aircraft without flinching, carries heavy military equipment alone, and excitedly watches her training comrades' jumps while congratulating them.
King Felipe VI, appearing before cameras at the Spanish Armed Forces Day reception, expressed pride in his daughter's outstanding effort and announced that Leonor, who is nearing the end of her 3-year rigorous military training, will soon complete her pilot training as well.
SHE WILL WELCOME THE POPE
Following this historic success, the "Commando" Princess has a very busy protocol schedule ahead. Princess Leonor will be awarded the Murcia Region Gold Medal, the Regional Assembly Gold Medal, and the San Javier Gold Medal. Additionally, she will be presented with the title of "Honorary Citizen" by the San Javier Municipality.
After her successes at the military camp, the young princess will return to the capital Madrid on June 6 to take her place in the royal family to welcome Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of the Catholic world, who will visit Spain for an official visit.