In the golden evening light of Spain’s Canary Islands, Midshipman Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz, Princess of Asturias, boarded the Spanish Navy frigate Blas de Lezo (F-103), continuing her historic journey through the Spanish Armed Forces. This marks the beginning of her first active combat simulation, a major milestone in her year-long military formation as future Queen and Commander-in-Chief.
At exactly 8:10 PM local time, Leonor arrived at the Naval Base of Las Palmas, wearing her Navy uniform with the quiet confidence she has come to symbolize. Welcomed by officers and fellow sailors, she stepped aboard one of Spain’s most technologically advanced warships to begin the second phase of her naval training, following her earlier sea mission on the Juan Sebastián de Elcano. From now until July 3, she will be immersed in Sinkex-25, a complex naval combat simulation involving:
-
The frigate Blas de Lezo leading coordinated operations
-
Frigates, submarines, and fighter jets working in unison
-
Approximately 1,900 military personnel
-
Realistic tests using live ammunition, torpedoes, missiles, and bombs
The Blas de Lezo, specifically designed to withstand live fire, will function as a floating laboratory, helping the Navy analyze the full spectrum of maritime combat in real-time. This exercise marks Princess Leonor’s first direct involvement in a real combat scenario, elevating her from observer to active participant. It is a historic moment, not only for Spain but for the modernization of the monarchy—placing a young female royal in one of the most demanding environments in military service.
Princess of Asturias just finished the first part of the sea training aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano from January to June and traveled back to Spain a week ago only. Following this mission, Leonor will return to the Juan Sebastián de Elcano on July 3 to complete her naval training by July 13, officially closing the naval chapter of her three-branch military education. As photos released by the Casa Real show the Princess engaging with crew members and preparing for her first combat exercise, one truth becomes clear: Princess Leonor is not simply shadowing her nation’s institutions—she is embodying them.
