Spain's Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia Reunite with King and Queen in San Javier

The Spanish Royal Family will attend the Royal Officer Commissioning Ceremony at the General Air and Space Academy (AGA) in San Javier, Murcia, marking their first public family appearance together since the Pope's visit. The Spanish Royal Family Reunites in San Javier: First Family Appearance Since the Pope's Visit The Spanish Royal Family will reunite in San Javier on July 10 for a ceremony of major institutional importance and one that highlights Princess Leonor's close connection with the General Air and Space Academy (AGA). It will be the first official public appearance of King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía together since the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Spain last June. The occasion marks the Royal Officer Commissioning Ceremony, during which the Royal Family will present Royal Officer Commissions to the newly commissioned officers of the Spanish Air and Space Force. The event also represents the conclusion of Princess Leonor's military training in Murcia, following her service with all three branches of Spain's Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. A Milestone in Princess Leonor's Military Journey Princess Leonor's presence in San Javier carries special significance. Over the past year and a half, she has completed the air force phase of her military education at the General Air and Space Academy, where she received instruction in flight training, leadership, navigation, and physical conditioning. Her military education also included the Basic Parachuting Course at the Méndez Parada Military School in Alcantarilla, where she trained alongside around 50 fellow cadets and earned the Parachutist Badge after successfully completing automatic parachute jumps. Before finishing her training in San Javier, Princess Leonor also took part in a training flight with her father, King Felipe VI, a symbolic milestone reflecting both her academic progress and her growing role within the Spanish Armed Forces. A Special Bond with San Javier Princess Leonor's time in Murcia has extended beyond military training. On June 3, she was awarded the Gold Medal of the Municipality of San Javier and was named an Adopted Daughter of San Javier, recognizing the strong bond she developed with the local community during her time there. In the municipality's Book of Honor, she wrote: "San Javier will always be part of my life and among my happiest memories." Looking Ahead to 2027 The July 10 ceremony is part of the lead-up to Princess Leonor's own Royal Officer Commissioning Ceremony, which is expected to take place in July 2027. At that time, she is expected to receive the ranks of: Lieutenant in the Spanish Army Lieutenant in the Spanish Air and Space Force Ensign in the Spanish Navy The Royal Household has confirmed that Princess Leonor will participate in the commissioning ceremonies held in Zaragoza, Marín, and San Javier, corresponding to each phase of her military training. Beginning a New Chapter The San Javier ceremony also symbolizes Princess Leonor's transition from military service to university life. After completing her military education, she will begin studying Political Science at Carlos III University in Getafe (Madrid) this September. Meanwhile, Infanta Sofía has completed her first year studying Political Science and International Relations at Forward College in Lisbon and will continue her studies in Paris next academic year. 111 New Officers to Graduate This year, the General Air and Space Academy will commission 111 new officers, including: 81 from the General Corps 16 from the Quartermaster Corps 14 from the Engineering Corps Founded in 1943, the Academy is responsible for training future officers of the Spanish Air and Space Force and provides both military and academic education fully integrated into Spain's national education system. A Busy Summer for the Royal Family The San Javier ceremony marks the Royal Family's first public reunion since the Pope's visit and comes at the start of a busy summer schedule. Their next major engagement will be the Princess of Girona Awards on July 14, where Princess Leonor will present awards to outstanding young leaders, accompanied by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Infanta Sofía. Following those engagements, the Royal Family will spend part of the summer at Marivent Palace in Mallorca before the sisters once again pursue separate paths—Princess Leonor beginning university in Madrid after five years away from the Royal Palace, and Infanta Sofía continuing her international studies in Paris.