- Leonor, Princess of Asturias, turns 18 today! As King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s firstborn daughter, she became heir to the Spanish throne after her dad was proclaimed the current king in 2014
- The future queen enrolled in military service, like Britain’s Princes William and Harry did in the past, and Prince George might in future – and she’s just as stylish as her mum
The royal addressed the Spanish public at the Princesa de Asturias Awards earlier this month, stating that she felt very well equipped for her future role as the nation’s monarch.
“I very well understand and am aware of what my duty is and what my responsibilities entail,” the then-17-year-old shared.
Here’s everything you need to know about Spain’s queen-in-the-making.
Princess Leonor’s royal roots
Leonor became heir to the throne after her father was proclaimed the current king in 2014, per her official biography. She also holds the titles of Princess of Asturias, Princess of Girona, Princess of Viana, Duchess of Montblanc, Countess of Cervera and Lady of Balaguer.
According to Hola!, Leonor will be Spain’s first queen regent in over 100 years, with the last one being Isabela II, who ruled from 1830 to 1904.
She’s been dubbed “Royal G.I. Jane”
This princess has proven her loyalty to her nation by enrolling at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza in Northern Spain, states British media, which lovingly dubbed her “Royal G.I. Jane”. Leonor is embarking on three years of intense military training, which will include experience with the naval academy and General Air Academy.
She’s a fashion icon in the making
She’s making more public appearances
Her parents are close to Prince William and Kate Middleton
Being a royal certainly gives you some incredible connections. Leonor’s parents King Felipe and Queen Letizia have close links with the Prince and Princess of Wales, aka Will and Kate, per Hello! magazine.