These images speak for themselves: The Spanish Royal House has released new photos showing King Felipe VI (58) and his daughter Princess Leonor (20) during a joint military flight at the Air Force Academy in San Javier in the Murcia region. One scene after the landing is particularly noteworthy - it shows the monarch embracing his daughter tightly and looking at her with visible pride.
Even before takeoff, it was clear who the expert was at this appointment. The Spanish heir to the throne is currently completing her third military training phase at the Air Force Academy in San Javier and presented herself extremely professionally.
Wearing a green flight suit, Leonor explained the planned sequence of the training flight during an official flight briefing. Using a remote control, she presented the flight plan to her father and the instructors present, explained technical details of the Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft, and even discussed the functions of the ejection seat.
Joint Flight Over Murcia
Then it was time to head to the runway. Leonor took off together with her flight instructor, Captain Elena Gutiérrez, while King Felipe took his seat in a second aircraft. The two planes completed a formation flight over the coastal region around La Manga del Mar Menor.
After landing, military discipline finally gave way to a very personal moment. A photo taken in the hangar quickly became the emotional highlight of the appointment: Felipe takes his daughter in his arms and looks at her with visible pride.
Leonor Follows Royal House Tradition
The Crown Princess's military training is considered an important part of her preparation for her future role as head of state. Like her father before her, Leonor is going through the various branches of Spain's armed forces, gaining experience with the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
