Spain’s future queen begins university life with one simple request

Princess Leonor has taken the next step in preparing for her future as Spain’s queen, swapping military uniforms for lecture halls as she officially began her university studies in Madrid.

The 20-year-old heir to the Spanish throne arrived at the Universidad Carlos III campus in Getafe on Monday morning to start a four-year degree in Political Science. Dressed casually in jeans, a white shirt and trainers, Leonor told waiting reporters she was arriving with “great enthusiasm” before heading inside for her first day of classes.

A new chapter after military training

Despite the media frenzy surrounding her arrival, both the Royal Household and university officials have stressed that Leonor will be treated like any other student.

The princess was welcomed by university rector Ángel Arias before joining around 40 classmates for introductory lectures covering subjects including political science, law and research methods. No special academic arrangements have been made, with the university insisting she will follow the same programme as everyone else.

Leonor’s move to university comes after completing an intensive three-year military education across Spain’s army, navy and air force. The training is regarded as a vital part of preparing future Spanish monarchs, who also serve as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Preparing to become queen

Her degree has also been carefully chosen to equip her for the responsibilities of the Crown. Alongside political science, Leonor will study constitutional law, economics, sociology, international relations and public administration, giving her a strong grounding in the issues she is likely to face as a future head of state.

The decision to attend a public university has been widely viewed as another example of Spain’s modern monarchy, allowing the princess to experience everyday student life while continuing her royal duties.

A normal student experience

University officials have appealed for normality on campus, expressing confidence that fellow students will respect Leonor’s privacy and give her the opportunity to settle into university life despite the intense public interest surrounding her.

Although she will continue carrying out official engagements alongside her studies, the next four years are expected to provide the future queen with a rare chance to enjoy a relatively ordinary university experience before eventually succeeding King Felipe VI on the throne.