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Princess Leonor arrives at military school: Photos© © Casa de S.M. el Rey

Princess Leonor says goodbye to family as she arrives at military school: Photos

The future Queen is starting her military training


AUGUST 17, 2023 11:51 AM EDT

It’s the start of a new chapter for  Princess Leonor  of Spain! The Princess of Asturias was accompanied by her family—dad King Felipe, mom  Queen Letizia , and sister Infanta Sofia—as she arrived at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza on Thursday to begin her first year of military training.

Ingreso de Su alteza Real la Princesa de Asturias en la Academia General Militar de Zaragoza

When asked if she was nervous, the future Queen of Spain, 17, admitted (via  HOLA! Spain ) “a bit.” Her father added, “Logically. You have to be a little nervous.”

The Princess is joining 612 cadets in the first promotion. During her stay, Leonor will share quarters with other female students. Queen Letizia and King Felipe’s eldest daughter, who was dressed in a blue button-down shirt and white pants, pulled her own suitcase as she made her way to the academy after saying goodbye to her family.

Scroll to see photos of Princess Leonor arriving to begin her three-year military training...

Princess Leonor of Spain arrived at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza on Aug. 17.© Getty Images

Princess Leonor of Spain arrived at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza on Aug. 17.

Leonor, who graduated from UWC Atlantic College in May, is starting her military training.© Getty Images

Leonor, who graduated from UWC Atlantic College in May, is starting her military training.

The Princess' parents and sister dropped her off at the General Military Academy.© Getty Images

The Princess’ parents and sister dropped her off at the General Military Academy.

While she is a future Queen, Leonor pulled her own suitcase.© Getty Images

While she is a future Queen, Leonor pulled her own suitcase.

Before starting her military training, Leonor and her family enjoyed their annual summer holiday in Mallorca. During their vacation, the royals watched Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie and visited the Jardines de Alfabia.© Getty Images

Before starting her military training, Leonor and her family enjoyed their annual summer holiday in Mallorca. During their vacation, the royals watched Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie and visited the Jardines de Alfabia.

At the 2023 Princess of Girona Foundation Awards in July, Leonor spoke about starting "a new stage with a period of military training." The Princess said, "Beyond my responsibility, I am happy because I know how much the Spanish value our Armed Forces."© Getty Images

At the 2023 Princess of Girona Foundation Awards in July, Leonor spoke about starting “a new stage with a period of military training.” The Princess said, “Beyond my responsibility, I am happy because I know how much the Spanish value our Armed Forces.”

She continued, “It is an important moment in my life and I feel very eager and convinced to continue learning and giving my best spirit to strengthen the values with which I have grown and that today our five awardees embody: respect for others, effort, excellence, search for knowledge, temperance, discipline, perseverance. Also, ability to perceive reality and live with the enthusiasm typical of my age.”

Queen Letizia shared a sweet moment with her firstborn, sweetly placing her hand on Leonor's cheek.© Getty Images

Queen Letizia shared a sweet moment with her firstborn, sweetly placing her hand on Leonor’s cheek.

The Queen gave her eldest daughter a big hug as they said goodbye.© Getty Images

The Queen gave her eldest daughter a big hug as they said goodbye.

The Princess also hugged her father...© Getty Images

The Princess also hugged her father...

...and her younger sister Sofia, who will be leaving Spain to begin her studies at UWC Atlantic College in Wales.© Getty Images

...and her younger sister Sofia, who will be leaving Spain to begin her studies at UWC Atlantic College in Wales.

In March 2023, Zarzuela Palace said that King Felipe and Queen Letizia consider Leonor's military training "very convenient and valuable: it reinforces the capacities of service and delivery, and facilitates the representation tasks that she must assume, as Heir to the Crown of Spain, in accordance with the provisions of Title II of the Constitution."© Getty Images

In March 2023, Zarzuela Palace said that King Felipe and Queen Letizia consider Leonor’s military training “very convenient and valuable: it reinforces the capacities of service and delivery, and facilitates the representation tasks that she must assume, as Heir to the Crown of Spain, in accordance with the provisions of Title II of the Constitution.”