Princess Leonor of Spain appeared in high spirits as she was honored this morning with two military medals and a new title.
The 18-year-old royal has followed in the footsteps of her father and grandfather and is currently completing her military training at the Zaragoza Military Academy in northern Spain.
The future Queen of Europe has today been elected ‘Adopted Daughter’ of Zaragoza and has received the Medal of Aragon and the Medal of the Cortes during an event in the Aljafería.
The new title has been awarded to Leonor by the City Council to “recognize the city’s affection for the Princess of Asturias, appreciate her importance for both the Aragonese capital and Spain, and thank her for her connection with the city.”
The honor is awarded to individuals who have made significant social, political, economic, cultural or scientific contributions to the city.
In the photo: Princess Leonor, 18, arrives at the Aljafería Palace today for the ceremony in northern Spain.
Leonor’s father, King Felipe, 56, received the title of ‘Adopted Son’ of Zaragoza 38 years ago when he was a student in the province.
Meanwhile, the Cortes Medal was first created in 1986 to recognize recipients who promoted “Aragonese values and identity.” newzee reports.
For the occasion, Leonor looked elegant in her khaki uniform, red military beret, and black boots.
The royal styled her long hair into a sleek braided bun, as she needed to remove her hat for the ceremony.
Leonor is reportedly in the middle of exam season and is expected to attend Spain’s Armed Forces Day on June 1.
The royal will complete three years of training at the military academy before moving on to the General Air Academy.
Earlier this month, King Felipe returned to the Zaragoza Academy with Queen Letizia for a ceremony in recognition of his three decades of military service.
When she first arrived at the academy, Leonor completed a module to help her adapt to military life, and the Palace published images of the royal taking part in classroom lessons.
In the photo: Princess Leonor receives the Medal of the Cortes during the ceremony at the Aljafería Palace.
For the occasion, Princess Leonor looked elegant in her khaki uniform, red military beret and black boots.
The royal styled her long hair into an elegant braided bun as she needed to remove her hat for the ceremony.
Queen Letizia looked elegant and regal in a light blue suit while with her husband, King Felipe, at a ceremony commemorating their military promotions at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza earlier this month.
According to heraldo.es, he is staying in a cabin with twelve other students and received basic military equipment before the first training session.
During her three years at the academy, Leonor will be entitled to a salary of 417 euros per month. However, the palace has said she will not claim her salary.
Like a boarding school, the military academy follows a strict schedule during the week. but Leonor will be able to come home on weekends if she is not on maneuvers.
Leonor graduated in May with the International Baccalaureate from UWC Atlantic College in the Welsh county of Vale of Glamorgan.
After training at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza, the Spanish equivalent of Sandhurst, he will go to the Naval School and complete his three years at the General Air Academy.
In July, the princess revealed her excitement about soon becoming a cadet at the Princess of Girona Foundation awards ceremony in Girona, Catalonia.
She said: ‘I have just finished high school and I am about to start a new stage with a period of military training.
‘I am happy because I know how much the Spanish value our Armed Forces… it is an important moment in my life and I feel very excited and determined to continue learning and giving my best effort.’