For the Spanish heir to the throne, Princess Leonor (17), the “seriousness of life” begins today, Thursday. King Felipe VI’s daughter (55) and Queen Letizia (50), who celebrates her 18th birthday in October, starts her three-year military training.

Around noon, the princess, accompanied by her parents and sister Sofia (16), was received at the military academy in Zaragoza. Photos show the 17-year-old with her family, pulling a trolley suitcase behind her. Felipe VI is dressed in a military uniform, Letizia in a casual beige two-piece suit. Leonor wears airy white pants with a classic light blue blouse, Sofia white jeans with a green blouse with ruffles. When she said goodbye, she was hugged tightly by sister Sofia and mother Letizia.

According to media reports, she told reporters that she felt “great anticipation” but also “a little nervous”. “The first few days will be tough, but she will survive with effort and patience,” her father, King Felipe VI, was quoted as saying by the media.

Princess Leonor is expecting a year of military training in Zaragoza, followed by a year of training at the Naval Academy and finally training with the Spanish Air Force. In July, the 17-year-old heir to the throne graduated from UWC Atlantic College in Wales.