Leader, bearing the New York flag, initiates the pledge prior to departure for Spain, following her training at Elcano.
A Glimpse into Princess Leonor's Seafaring Adventure
Princess Leonor recently served as the flag-bearer aboard the historic training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano, docked in New York for its final stop before returning to Spain. This marked the third time she'd taken on this role during her military training, having previously done so in Uruguay and Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
This representation was accompanied by the Ambassador of Spain to the United States, Ángeles Moreno Bau, who will bid farewell to the ship at its last stop in New York next Tuesday. The princess also attended a concert at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, where the Orchestra of the Teatro Real of Madrid gave a remarkable performance, accompanied by twenty companions from the training ship dressed in their white midshipman uniforms.
Leonor's journey aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano began in January 2025, setting sail from Cádiz, Spain. Over the subsequent months, she sailed across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, visiting numerous ports in America, Africa, and Asia. Notable stops included Cartagena de Indias, Santo Domingo, New York, and soon the Philippines. Princess Leonor will continue her naval training on the ship upon its return to Spain.
The Juan Sebastián Elcano, named after the Basque mariner Juan Sebastián Elcano who completed the first circumnavigation of the globe, serves as a floating tribute to Spain's maritime heritage and the spirited age of exploration. First built in 1927, this steel-hulled, four-masted ship has traversed approximately 1,900,000 nautical miles around the world, visiting over 70 countries. Its primary mission is the training of future naval officers, with a focus on practical skills like navigation, seamanship, and international diplomacy. During port calls, the ship acts as a living museum, offering the public a glimpse into naval operations, maritime history, and Spain's colonial past.
In addition to its military and educational roles, the Juan Sebastián Elcano functions as a symbol of Spanish cultural and diplomatic presence worldwide. On its global training cruises, the ship often carries high-profile guests, including members of the Spanish royal family, further cementing its status as a floating ambassador for Spain. As a testament to its enduring legacy, the Juan Sebastián Elcano remains a vital connection between past and present, bridging generations and continents in its continued pursuit of maritime adventure.
The average number of countries visited by Princess Leonor during her travels aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano is approximately 25, which is a testament to her commitment to experiencing diverse lifestyles across the globe. During her naval training, Princess Leonor's lifestyle on the historic ship Juan Sebastián Elcano mirrors that of midshipmen, embracing a life of adventure and practical learning at sea.
