Cádiz, the scene of countless pages of history linked to the sea, the Spanish Navy and the Royal House, has been a witness this morning and part of a moment that will be remembered by the Princess of Asturias the rest of his life. Just as it happened in 1987 with King Felipe VI (then Prince) and in 1958 with Juan Carlos Ithe city has attended the embarkation and departure of the Heir to the Crown of Spain on the training ship “Juan Sebastian de Elcano”which in this way began its CXVII Instruction Cruise.
Moments, of great and intense emotions, that have been marked by the presence of the Kings of Spain, Felipe VI and Doña Letizia, and the enthusiasm and warmth shown by the hundreds of people from Cádiz and not from Cádiz who, from very early on, have wanted accompany and celebrate these moments so special for Princess Leonor, the midshipmen, their families and the entire crew, led by the ship’s commander, ship captain Luis Carreras-Presas do Campo.
A day that experienced its high points with the arrival of the Monarchs and the release of moorings and departure of the “Juan Sebastián de Elcano” from the Cadiz pier heading to the first destination of its great journey (of around 17,000 miles), Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Under the attentive and proud gaze of his parents, His Royal Highness, along with his colleagues from the Marín Naval School, participated in the first moments on board that drew applause from the public and family members who wanted to be next to the training ship. at the beginning of a journey that will take him through oceanic waters to New Yorkcalling beforehand in the ports of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas, Salvador de Bahía, Montevideo, Punta Arenas, Valparaíso, El Callao, Panama, Cartagena de Indias-Santa Marta and Santo Domingo.
“For the people of Cádiz, the ‘Juan Sebastián de Elcano’ It’s something we carry deep inside. That today, in addition, we can see his departure with which it will be the next Queen of Spain It’s very special,” said Antonio Gómez, one of those people from Cádiz who lived the moment with special enthusiasm.
Intense day
This historic day began very early, with the celebration of one of the most anticipated events and, in turn, related to the presence and departure of the training ship and, on this occasion, of Her Royal Highness Princess Leonor.
From the convent church of Santo Domingo, where it took place the traditional massleft the galeona procession to the training ship.
La Galeona, the name by which the Virgin Our Lady of the Rosaryprocessed through Plocia Street and the Plaza de San Juan de Dios towards the dock, “escorted” by Doña Leonor and the rest of the midshipmen from the new class of the Naval School of Marín.
The procession, which included the sounds of the Southern Third Music Unitwas accompanied on her journey by hundreds of people, who from very early on stood at the doors of the temple to witness a historical moment such as this one. As in previous days, The Princess drew applause from those present from their exit from the temple to the dock, hearing the now traditional cries of “pretty, pretty!!”.
Once at the dock, the midshipmen formed up in front of the gangplank of the “Elcano”, through which the Galeona embarked moments later. After her, they began boarding, being Princess Leonor of the first in accessing the brig-schooner.
Prior to Their Majesties the Kings, the different civil and military authorities arrived. And as planned, at 11 o’clock, they arrived at the Cadiz dock area. the Kings, who were received with applause and cheers. The one who arrived late was the Minister of Defense, Margaret Robleswhose plane was delayed due to fog.
After greeting, the King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia They embarked on the “Elcano”, a moment that was marked by seven “cheers” to Spain and 21 cannon shots, as befits the King.
The last farewell to the training ship was given by the numerous boats that wanted to accompany him, as is also tradition, in its navigation through the waters of the Bay of Cádiz.