Infanta Sofía wearing a white double-breasted blazer, standing in front of a stone wall.

Infanta Sofía’s future revealed: The Spanish Royal House makes it official

The youngest daughter of the King and Queen will not undergo military training like her sister, Princess Leonor

APRIL 8, 2025 3:38 PM EDTAPR 8, 2025, 3:38 PM EDT

Infanta Sofía, the younger daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, will not be following in her sister Princess Leonor’s footsteps when it comes to military training. The Royal House has confirmed that, for now, there are no plans for her to pursue a military path—highlighting the growing distinction between the roles and expectations placed on the two sisters. While Princess Leonor continues her rigorous military education as heir to the throne, Sofía is preparing for a different journey, one rooted in academics.

The Infanta Sofia poses on her arrival at the parish of the Assumption of Our Lady, May 25, 2023, in Madrid, Spain.

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As ¡HOLA! previously revealed, she is expected to begin her university studies in the near future. Full details about her next steps—including her academic preferences and whether she’ll continue her education in Spain or abroad—will be shared soon. Shortly after the exclusive was released, the Royal House reiterated that "as of today, the possibility of military training for her is not being considered." Still, the Head of State acknowledged that “various options are still on the table for next year,” leaving room for future decisions.

Princess Sofia of Spain visits Sotres which has been honoured as the 2024 Best Asturian Village, the day after the 'Princesa de Asturias' Awards on October 26, 2024 in Sotres, Spain.

This year marks an important chapter for Sofía, who is currently completing her International Baccalaureate at UWC Atlantic College in Wales—a school also attended by Princess Leonor. She began the program in September 2023 and is expected to finish in the summer of 2025. Now in her second year, she’s entering the final stretch of the academic calendar following the Easter break, with exams just around the corner. Before that, she’ll celebrate another key milestone: her 18th birthday on April 29, an occasion the family is expected to mark in private.

In this handout image provided by the Spanish Royal Household, King Felipe VI of Spain (R), Queen Letizia of Spain (L), Crown Princess Leonor of Spain (2R) and Princess Sofia of Spain (2L) attend the graduation of Princess Leonor of Spain at the UWC Atlantic College on May 20, 2023 in Llantwit Major, Gales, United Kingdom.

Leonor continues her naval training

Crown Princess Leonor of Spain (C) and other training companions of the Spanish Navy salute upon the arrival of the training trip onboard the "Juan Sebastián Elcano" ship on April 4, 2025 in Valparaiso, Chile. Princess Leonor continues her military training on the ship "Juan Sebastián Elcano" as part of a 3-year training. The princess boarded alongside her fellow midshipmen last January 11 on a trip that will take her to many cities in Latin America before arriving to the US. (Photo by Marcelo Hernandez/Getty Images)

For the first time, the distinction between the heir to the throne and the second in line is becoming truly visible. Princess Leonor is currently at sea aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano on its 97th training voyage as part of her ongoing instruction with the Spanish Navy. Last year, she completed her training at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, and in a few months, she will begin the next phase at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier, Murcia.

In contrast, Sofía—who is neither heir nor destined to be queen—is not required to undergo military training and therefore won’t be joining the ranks of the Armed Forces.