Princess Leonor awarded Gold Medal and named Adoptive Daughter of San Javier

Princess Leonor received a great reception in San Javier as they recognised her military training and the special connection with the Royal Family

It's been a busy few weeks for Princess Leonor, who recently completed her parachute training in Alcantarilla, before going on to receive a series of honours, including recognition in San Javier as she continues her military training at the General Air and Space Academy.

The Princess of Asturias was awarded the Gold Medal of San Javier and named Adoptive Daughter of the town during a formal ceremony held at the Town Hall yesterday May 3, celebrating her special connection with the town and its long-standing links to Spain's armed forces.

The event took place in the council chamber shortly after 11:00am, where she was welcomed by Mayor José Miguel Luengo and accompanied through the official programme.

The Town Hall’s official chronicler, Professor María Griñán of the University of Murcia, read the formal resolution approving the honours, which had been agreed unanimously by all political groups earlier this year.

The ceremony was attended by the President of the Region of Murcia, Fernando López Miras and a number of local and regional councilors.

Following the formal proceedings, Princess Leonor made her way to the Mayor's Office where she signed the Town Hall’s Book of Honour, continuing a tradition also followed by her father, King Felipe VI, in 1988, and her grandfather, King Juan Carlos I, in 1975, both of whom also received the municipality's highest distinction during their own military training at the Air and Space Academy.

During her visit, the Princess was given a warm reception by residents gathered in Plaza de España, with many turning out to see her arrival at the Town Hall.

Mayor José Miguel Luengo presented her with the ceremonial baton of office and then she walked through the entrance of the building, greeting members of the public who had been waiting since early in the morning.

Inside the Town Hall, she posed for photographs with municipal staff before later joining the full municipal council for a group picture in the main chamber. 

Mayor Luengo praised the warm response from the people of San Javier, noting how the Princess had taken time to greet and spend time with the people gathered outside.

He said the award was “much more than a formal distinction,” describing it as a reflection of the affection of a town that has seen her training up close during her time at the academy.

He also highlighted the way she has adapted to military life, noting how she has shared classrooms, training exercises and responsibilities alongside her fellow cadets, and describing her approach as one defined by discipline and consistency.

The mayor added that San Javier feels a deep sense of pride in having been linked to three generations of the Spanish Royal Family during their military training, underlining the town's long-standing connection with the Air and Space Academy.

Images: San Javier Town Hall