Spain's King Felipe VI and Princess Leonor complete first joint military flight
On 19 June 2026, King Felipe VI and his daughter Princess Leonor carried out a joint training flight at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier, Murcia. Each pilot flew a Pilatus PC‑21 trainer aircraft, with Leonor leading her own flight and the King accompanying her in a separate plane.
The flight formed part of Leonor’s final stage of military education, which includes service in the Army, Navy and Air Force. Prior to take‑off, the Princess briefed her father on the flight plan and the aircraft’s ejection‑seat system. After a formation run over the Mediterranean coast, the pair landed and embraced, with the King stating the experience was “better than expected.”
The Royal Household released photos and video of the event, highlighting the symbolic hand‑over of military responsibilities to the heir apparent. Leonor is scheduled to begin political‑science studies at the Universidad Carlos III in Madrid in September 2026, completing her preparation for a future role as Spain’s head of state.