Princess Leonor makes history in Santa Marta, Colombia, during its 500-year anniversary, symbolizing diplomatic strength and modern royalty aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano.
Royal Arrival in Colombia’s Oldest City
Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish crown, made a historic stop this week in Santa Marta, Colombia’s oldest city and the second oldest in Hispanic America. Arriving aboard the Spanish Navy’s training ship, the Juan Sebastián de Elcano, her visit coincided with Santa Marta’s celebration of 500 years since its founding by Rodrigo de Bastidas.
This marks the first time in the ship’s nearly century-long history that it docks in Santa Marta, a symbolic gesture that was met with a vibrant display of Colombian Caribbean folklore. The princess and her fellow midshipmen were welcomed at the port by a “papayera” band, which played the iconic cumbia “La Pollera Colorá” in a scene full of color, music, and community pride.
Honoring History and Strengthening Diplomatic Ties
During her stay, Leonor joined her shipmates in a floral tribute to the city’s founder at the Rodrigo de Bastidas monument, a solemn moment that underscored the cultural and historical depth of the visit. The mayor of Santa Marta, Carlos Pinedo, officially greeted the Spanish delegation by presenting the keys to the city to the ship’s captain, Luis Carreras-Presas do Campo.
Captain Carreras-Presas highlighted the significance of this stop, stating that the visit aims to “strengthen the ties that bind the Colombian and Spanish navies.” He emphasized the unique nature of this cruise, as it includes Princess Leonor, known aboard as midshipwoman Borbón Ortiz, who is actively participating in every aspect of naval life — from drills to academic instruction.
The stop in Santa Marta represents the second Colombian port visited during this year’s training voyage. Since departing Cádiz on January 11, the Juan Sebastián de Elcano has visited Tenerife, Las Palmas, Salvador de Bahía, Montevideo, Punta Arenas, Valparaíso, El Callao, Panama City, and Cartagena. The next destinations include Santo Domingo and New York, from where the princess will fly back to Spain to continue her military training.
A Royal Presence that Resonates with the People
The arrival of Princess Leonor in Santa Marta was far from a routine protocol event. The city turned out in full to welcome the young royal, whose presence became a trending topic across social media. At just 18, Leonor continues to shape a modern image of monarchy — one that blends tradition with approachability and relevance.
Wearing the white uniform of a naval cadet — a short-sleeved shirt, straight-cut trousers, and naval cap — Leonor made a striking impression. Her poised yet approachable demeanor sparked a wave of admiration. In spite of the Caribbean heat, her polished style remained fresh and elegant, prompting praise from fashion commentators and royal watchers alike.
During her two-day visit, Leonor took part in official ceremonies and cultural exchanges. The public was invited aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano, while the princess visited key historical sites and engaged with locals at a cultural fair. Her interactions were marked by warmth and sincerity, further endearing her to the citizens of Santa Marta and international observers.
What’s Next for Princess Leonor’s Military Journey?
Following this tour across the Americas, what lies ahead for Princess Leonor’s military formation?
Santa Marta is just one leg in a demanding itinerary that reflects her commitment to service. After stops in the Dominican Republic and the United States, she will return to Spain to begin her aerial training at the General Air and Space Academy, a challenging phase where she will learn to pilot combat aircraft — echoing the path once taken by her father, King Felipe VI.
This six-month voyage includes over 400 hours of academic coursework, covering more than 20 subjects ranging from navigation and meteorology to international law and English. Onboard training includes live-fire exercises and real-weapons handling, shaping cadets not just in theory but in real-world military competence.
Princess Leonor’s visit to Colombia not only celebrated a historic milestone but also reinforced the symbolic and strategic alliance between two nations with shared history. As she continues her military and royal journey, one question lingers: how will her evolving role reshape the image of the Spanish Crown in a globalized 21st century?
