20-year-old Princess Leonor poised to make history as Spain’s first reigning queen in 150 years

Spain could see its first Queen Regnant in nearly a century and a half, with Princess Leonor, the elder daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, next in line to the throne, as per reports.

Leonor, 20, is expected to become Spain’s first reigning queen since Isabella II, who ruled in the 1800s. Reportedly, the development marks a historic moment for the Spanish monarchy, which has largely been led by male rulers in modern times.

According to reports, the Spanish crown has been held by the House of Bourbon since the early 18th century, following the War of the Spanish Succession. After the end of Francisco Franco’s dictatorship, the monarchy was restored in 1975 under Juan Carlos I, who later abdicated in 2014 in favour of his son, Felipe VI.

Felipe married Letizia, a former journalist, in 2004. The couple has two daughters Princess Leonor, born in 2005 and heir apparent, and Infanta Sofia, born in 2007.

Spanish law mandates that the heir to the throne undergo military training across the Army, Navy and Air Force. Leonor reportedly began her higher education at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, where she earned an International Baccalaureate diploma, before starting her military career as Spain’s future Commander-in-Chief.

Leonor began her Army training in August 2023 in Zaragoza, joining around 560 cadets. In 2024, she reportedly moved on to naval training in Galicia and embarked on a 140-day, 17,000-mile voyage aboard the Spanish Navy’s training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano.

During the journey, she is said to have served as a regular crew member, sailing across the Atlantic, around South America and up to New York. She also reportedly spent time aboard the warship Blas de Lezo, before returning to Cadiz in July.

Reportedly, in December 2025, Leonor completed her first solo flight in a Pilatus PC-21, becoming the first woman from the Spanish royal family to achieve the milestone.

She is currently undergoing Air Force training at the Air and Space Academy in San Javier, Murcia, where she has received a ceremonial welcome. As per reports, Leonor is set to be honoured with the Gold Medal of the Region of Murcia, the region’s highest civilian award, recognising her progress as the future head of Spain’s Armed Forces.