Princess Leonor of Spain makes historic first visit to Tenerife


  • 18-01-2025
  • Tenerife
  • Canarian Weekly
  • Photo Credit: Efe
Princess Leonor of Spain makes historic first visit to Tenerife

In a momentous occasion, the future queen of Spain, Princess Leonor, arrived in Tenerife for the first time aboard the Spanish Navy’s training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. The vessel, carrying 240 crew members and 76 midshipmen, docked at the Dársena de Los Llanos yesterday morning greeted by an eager crowd of onlookers.

The arrival was marked with ceremonial flair, including a nine-gun salute and a historical reenactment by the Asociación Histórico Cultural La Gesta del 25 de Julio de 1797, whose members dressed in period costumes.

The midshipmen, including Princess Leonor, stood on the ship’s rigging waving their caps in greeting, with the Princess smiling in the front row.

A Key Stop in Elcano’s Training Voyage

The Juan Sebastián de Elcano is currently on its 97th instructional voyage, a six-month journey covering approximately 17,000 nautical miles with stops in several countries across the Americas.

Tenerife is the first port of call after departing from Cádiz, with the ship set to continue to Gran Canaria on Monday, before crossing the Atlantic to Brazil and beyond.

During the Tenerife visit, the Princess and her fellow midshipmen will engage in various training activities, cultural programmes, and official events. They will also have time to explore the island, as part of their comprehensive naval education.

Cultural and Official Engagements

Princess Leonor and her colleagues began their visit by touring the Military Museum of Almeyda and the Throne Room of the Palace of the General Command of the Canary Islands.

An official reception aboard the Elcano followed, attended by local dignitaries, including the President of Tenerife’s Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, the President of the Canary Islands Parliament, Astrid Pérez, and Santa Cruz Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez.

In their free time, the midshipmen explored Santa Cruz, dining and mingling with locals, with Princess Leonor graciously posing for photos with those who approached her.

Princess Leonor of Spain makes historic first visit to Tenerife

A Legacy of Naval Tradition

The ship’s commander, Luis Carreras-Presas do Campo, expressed his joy at visiting Tenerife, describing it as a natural gateway for transatlantic voyages. He noted that this was the Elcano’s 62nd visit to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a city known for its warm reception of the Spanish Navy.

The commander highlighted the voyage’s purpose: to acclimate midshipmen to life at sea and prepare them for future naval careers. “This stop allows us to recharge our energy and spirits with the warmth of the citizens before embarking on the challenging oceanic leg of our journey,” he said.

Public Visits to Elcano

The Juan Sebastián de Elcano will remain in Tenerife until Monday, January 20th, with the ship open to public visits today and tomorrow (Sunday). Residents and visitors have a rare opportunity to tour the vessel and witness its storied history, while young midshipmen continue their training both aboard the ship and in the city.

As Princess Leonor continues her historic journey, her presence in Tenerife marks a unique moment in the island’s history, offering locals the chance to see their future queen in a rare and personal context.

Princess Leonor of Spain makes historic first visit to Tenerife

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