MADRID – Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne has moved to Wales to complete a two-year International Baccalaureate programme.
The princess is attending the UWC (United World College) Atlantic College in Wales. Furthermore, as the eldest daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, she is next in line to the throne in Spain. She turns 16 next month.
Royal duties
According to the Royal Household, Princess Leonor, will continue her Royal duties. However, it has not been detailed how she will balance these commitments alongside her rigorous academic schedule.
PCR test
Although the princess is fully vaccinated, as per UK Covid-19 protocol, she is required to take a PCR test. She arrived at the College on Monday. Therefore, the test will be due to be carried out today.
90 nationalities
Princess Leonor will be studying alongside 350 students from 90 nationalities. Furthermore, at least half of the students are on scholarships. And, as such receive financial aid from private benefactors or have the cost of their studies partially covered by the income raised by fee-paying students. Moreover, the cost of the 2-year Baccalaureate programme is €76,000. However, this money will be funded by the annual provision the state sets aside for the royal family.
The UWC Atlantic College has had an impressive list of aristocrats, millionaires, and intellectuals attend over the years. Set in the grounds of St Donat’s Castle, a medieval 12th-century castle, it was remodelled after US media tycoon William Randolph Hearst bought it in 1925.
Prince Charles and Prince Phillip
UWC Atlantic College was founded by German pedagogue Kurt Hanan, who also set up Gordonstoun School in Scotland, where the late Prince Phillip and Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, completed part of their studies.
According to the college’s founding statute, its mission “is to make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.”
