Spain’s Princess Leonor, Princess of Asturias is expected to become the first member of Spain’s royal family to undertake formal parachute training as part of her continuing military education. Spanish media reports state that the future queen will complete airborne instruction linked to Army training during the next phase of her preparation within Spain’s armed forces. The programme forms part of the wider military route established for Leonor after she began officer training in 2023.

The princess first entered the General Military Academy, where she trained alongside other cadets in the Spanish Army. Her education later continued with the Navy, including instruction aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. According to reports published in Spain, the parachuting phase would make Leonor the first member of the modern Spanish royal family to receive this type of specialist military instruction.

Military preparation linked to constitutional role

Leonor’s training programme is designed to prepare her for her future role as Spain’s head of state and constitutional commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Under Spain’s constitutional system, the monarch holds the symbolic position of supreme commander of the military. Her father, Felipe VI, also completed military training in the Army, Navy and Air Force before becoming king. However, reports indicate that formal parachute instruction was not part of the military preparation undertaken by previous members of the royal household.

Military parachuting courses in Spain generally involve physical preparation, theoretical instruction and supervised jumps carried out at specialised training facilities. Such programmes are usually linked to airborne brigades and Army operational units. No official timetable for Leonor’s parachute training has yet been publicly confirmed by the Royal Household or the Ministry of Defence. Spanish media reports have nevertheless described the instruction as part of her planned progression through military service.

Public attention focused on royal training

Leonor’s military education has received extensive public and media attention in Spain since it began. Her role as heir to the throne means each stage of the programme has been closely followed, particularly as the monarchy seeks to maintain public confidence and institutional stability. Photographs and official footage released during previous training periods have shown the princess participating in military exercises, ceremonies and naval operations alongside fellow cadets.

During her naval instruction, she took part in activities connected to the Spanish Navy’s annual training voyage aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano. The princess has also attended official events linked to Spain’s armed forces, national commemorations and state ceremonies alongside King Felipe VI and Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano.

Long-standing royal and military tradition

Military training has historically formed part of preparation for future monarchs across several European royal families. In Spain, the tradition has continued through successive generations, particularly for heirs expected to assume constitutional responsibilities connected to the armed forces. Leonor’s military formation is scheduled to continue across the three branches of Spain’s military structure before eventually concluding with Air Force instruction. The reported parachuting phase is therefore viewed as one element within a broader programme rather than a standalone event.

Supporters of the training argue that it reinforces the monarchy’s institutional connection with the armed forces while also giving the future queen direct experience of military structures and responsibilities. Others see it as part of wider efforts to modernise the image of the Spanish monarchy and maintain public engagement with younger generations.

The Spanish Royal Household has not announced additional operational details regarding the parachuting instruction itself. However, reports that Leonor will complete airborne military training have already generated considerable interest in Spain because of the historic nature of the development within the royal family. If completed as expected, the training would mark another milestone in Leonor’s gradual preparation for the future role she is expected to assume as queen of Spain.

The Rotary Club of Marbella-East invites locals and everyone in the area to join their first international Moraga Madness, a welcome to the summer on the Costa del Sol.

Community spirit will come alive on June 4 as the Rotary Club of Marbella-East hosts Moraga Madness. This event launches the summer beach party season with food, drinks and live entertainment at Playa del Cable in Marbella.

What makes a moraga special

A moraga represents a classic Andalucian tradition from the Malaga region. Participants gather on the beach for a nighttime barbecue under the stars, enjoying fresh sardines grilled on espetos in beached boats, local food and drinks while sharing music and lots and lots of conversation. Families and friends mark the early days of summer before intense heat arrives. This gathering is all about togetherness through the simple pleasures of sand, sea and great company.

Rotary Club dedication to charity work

Rotary clubs worldwide support vital projects that improve lives in local areas and across the globe. Members raise funds for health initiatives, education programmes, clean water access and poverty relief efforts. Every contribution advances community welfare and international goodwill through practical service actions.

Organisers chose Playa del Cable, located behind Quirón Hospital, for easy access with parking nearby. Guests will start arriving from 7.30pm onwards to experience this first international moraga. Tickets cost 60 euros per person, with all proceeds directed straight to the Rotary Club charity account.

How to get your place at Moraga Madness

Attendees only need to transfer payment via bank details to Rotary Club Marbella-East International at IBAN ES95 2100 9044 1502 0009 7118 with Caixabank. People include “Moraga” plus their name in the concept field. Further details come from email massimilianosponzilli@gmail.com or WhatsApp +39 333 407 2161.

This occasion delivers an authentic taste of the real Costa del Sol culture while supporting meaningful causes. Early summer evenings invite everyone to connect over traditional flavours and entertainment before hotter months set in. Families, residents and tourists create lasting memories together at this special beach gathering.

Travel times between Spain and Portugal stand to improve dramatically with this new infrastructure project. Drivers will gain faster connections across the border region.

Shorter routes link Madrid directly to Lisbon

A new international crossing over the River Sever will join Cedillo in Caceres province with Montalvão near Nisa. Drivers will see reductions of 85 to 100 kilometres on journeys between the two capitals. This 160-metre structure creates a straighter path that avoids lengthy detours through dangerous winding roads.

Investment focuses on sustainable construction

The governments of Spain and Portugal have committed more than €24 million to building twin arches that fit carefully within the protected landscape of the Tajo Internacional Natural Park. Engineers have designed the crossing without riverbed supports to safeguard local wildlife. Extra provisions include dedicated areas for walkers and cyclists to encourage greener travel options.

Border areas gain fresh connectivity

Residents in Cedillo have put up with long detours for everyday crossings into Portugal for far too long. Many trips that appear short on maps previously required over an hour of extra driving. This link transforms the frontier from an obstacle into a smooth passage between neighbouring regions long divided by geography and poor transport links.

Local people view the development as a major step forward after decades of limited access. Commuters and tourists will enjoy quicker, more comfortable routes across the border.

Logistics and trade receive efficiency gains

Freight movements between both countries will also benefit from lower delivery times and reduced operational expenses. Agro-industrial businesses and distributors operating on either side of the frontier can achieve better competitiveness through these changes. Rural zones in the area may attract fresh investment in tourism and small enterprises as access improves.

Joint efforts strengthen Spain-Portugal relations

Planners have integrated this crossing into wider cooperation between Spanish and Portuguese governments. Additional initiatives cover further bridges on rivers such as the Guadiana and Miño plus upgrades to secondary roads. Such measures aim to increase cross-border flows and support closer economic and cultural connections between Madrid and Lisbon as key centres in southwest Europe.

Nature enthusiasts will find easier access to hiking trails and birdwatching spots around the Tajo International area. The project improves opportunities to explore shared protected landscapes without compromising their value.

2028 completion target opens new chapter

Construction proceeds towards a 2028 opening while meeting strict environmental rules. Communities continue with current routes in the meantime but now anticipate an end to their relative isolation.