Princess Leonor, 19, shared a touching reunion with her mother, Queen Letizia, on Saturday as the Spanish royal made an unofficial trip to Panama City to visit her daughter, who is currently undergoing naval training.
It was the first time the mother and daughter had seen each other since January, when Leonor began the maritime phase of her military education aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano as a midshipman.
Their emotional meeting was captured at the Port of Fuerte Amador, where Leonor was seen rushing across the dock to embrace her mother warmly. The two appeared visibly joyful as they chatted and caught up after four months apart.
Leonor, dressed sharply in her naval uniform, looked every bit the poised future monarch, while Queen Letizia kept things casual in white jeans and a white T-shirt.
She later joined her daughter and fellow cadets for a reception onboard the ship, dazzling in a red halter-neck jumpsuit that showcased her effortless style.
During her brief visit, Queen Letizia and Leonor explored Panama Viejo—the historic heart of Panama City—enjoyed lunch at El Nacional restaurant, and visited a local museum that King Felipe had toured in 2019.
Princess Leonor is currently in the midst of a six-month training voyage that has taken her through Peru, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay, with upcoming stops in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and New York.
This is part of her three-year military training in preparation for her future role as Queen and Commander in Chief of the Spanish Armed Forces.
Leonor began her training with a year at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza and will complete her education with the Air Force in her final year.
Upon beginning her naval training, she signed the book of honour at the academy with a heartfelt note: “Today I join, with great enthusiasm, this Naval Military School to continue with my military training. I am sure that here I will have the opportunity to learn a lot and share many important experiences with my classmates. With affection, Leonor, Princess of Asturias.”
