Spanish
Santo Domingo.- The capital city awoke this Monday with anticipation for the arrival of the Princess of Asturias, Leonor de Borbón, heir to the throne of Spain, who arrived aboard the Spanish Navy Training Ship “Juan Sebastián de Elcano” at this Punta Torrecilla port, where it will remain docked until Saturday, May 24.
Leonor de Borbón, 18 years old, participates in this voyage as part of her military training in the Spanish Navy. This experience, which her father King Felipe already had, aims to reinforce her preparation as future Head of the Armed Forces, providing her with practical knowledge in navigation and life at sea.
The princess is in the midst of developing her training as the future supreme head of the armed forces, following in the footsteps of her father, King Felipe VI.
This stop in Santo Domingo is part of the 97th training cruise of the “Juan Sebastián de Elcano”, which has been sailing the American continent for over six months. The route has included stops in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Panama, and Colombia, and will culminate in New York before returning to Spain.
During the voyage, the princess has shared the deck with 75 other midshipmen, 67 men and nine women, in a strict regime of theoretical instruction, nautical maneuvers and diplomatic acts representing the Crown.
However, not everything has been easy for the heir to the throne. Unofficial reports have indicated that Leonor has faced episodes of motion sickness, with symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting, in addition to a demanding adaptation to the naval routine and certain emotional tensions. Despite these challenges, the princess has remained firm in her commitment to military training.
You may be interested in: First images of Princess Leonor in a bikini cause a stir on social media
Dominican authorities and representatives from the Spanish Embassy plan to carry out protocol activities during the ship's stay, which will be an opportunity to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between both nations.
It is expected that during her stay, Princess Leonor will participate in institutional meetings and make brief public appearances, although an official agenda has not been confirmed at this time.
The ship, whose main mission is the comprehensive training of future Navy officers in maritime, military, social, and human aspects, also plays a diplomatic role by supporting the foreign action of the Spanish State in the ports it visits.
