Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Princess Leonor’s Favorite Hobbies and Interests
- Reading and Literature
- Music and the Cello
- Ballet, Theater, and the Arts
- Sports, Skiing, and Outdoor Activities
- Astronomy, Photography, and Other Interests
- How Her Hobbies Have Changed With Age
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
- References
INTRODUCTION
Princess Leonor’s life is largely shaped by royal duties, education, and preparation for her future role as Queen of Spain. However, away from official ceremonies and military training, she has also developed a range of personal interests. Princess Leonor’s favourite hobbies include reading, music, ballet, sports, cinema, photography, cooking, and astronomy, according to Spanish media reports covering her interests over the years.
Because Leonor has grown up in the public eye, relatively little information about her private life is officially confirmed. Some hobbies have been reported repeatedly by established Spanish publications, while others come from reports about her childhood and teenage years. It is therefore useful to distinguish between interests that have been well documented and claims that are less certain.
Her interests also show a balance between creative activities and physical pursuits. She has been associated with classical ballet and the cello, while sports such as skiing, tennis, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and horse riding have also been reported as part of her earlier routine.
As she has entered adulthood, her schedule has become much more demanding. Her military education from 2023 to 2026 and her increasing responsibilities as heir to the Spanish Crown have naturally changed how much time she can devote to hobbies.
Princess Leonor’s Favorite Hobbies and Interests
Princess Leonor has had a surprisingly varied collection of interests since childhood.
Some of her best-known hobbies include:
- Reading and literature
- Listening to and performing music
- Playing the cello
- Classical ballet
- Watching films
- Theater and live performances
- Skiing
- Tennis
- Horse riding
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Photography
- Cooking and baking
- Astronomy
- Spending time outdoors
These interests have been reported at different stages of Leonor’s life, so they should not all be interpreted as her current 2026 daily hobbies. For example, Spanish media have repeatedly reported her interest in reading, music, ballet, cinema, and sports. More recent profiles have also highlighted astronomy and her interest in cultural activities.
A mixture of creative and active interests
One interesting aspect of Leonor’s hobbies is the contrast between them. She has interests that require concentration and patience, such as reading and playing an instrument. At the same time, she has participated in physically demanding activities, including skiing and military training.
Her reported interests can broadly be divided into several categories:
| Category | Reported Interests |
|---|---|
| Literature | Reading, classic novels |
| Music | Cello, concerts |
| Performing arts | Ballet, theater, musicals |
| Sports | Skiing, tennis, volleyball, basketball, badminton |
| Outdoor activities | Horse riding, cycling, walking |
| Creative interests | Photography, cooking |
| Science | Astronomy |
| Entertainment | Cinema |
This combination gives a broader picture of Leonor beyond her formal royal identity.
Reading and Literature
Reading has long been one of the most frequently reported interests associated with Princess Leonor. Spanish royal profiles have described her as an enthusiastic reader and have mentioned authors and works associated with her childhood reading. These include writers such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Dickens, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Lewis Carroll. Reading is particularly interesting in Leonor’s case because it fits naturally with her education and future responsibilities. A future monarch needs to understand history, society, politics, culture, and different perspectives. Reading widely can help develop that broader understanding.
What types of books has she been associated with?
Reports from her younger years have connected her with:
- Fantasy literature
- Classic children’s literature
- Adventure stories
- Historical and literary works
- English-language literature
Her reported interest in literature also fits with her international education.
Leonor studied at UWC Atlantic College in Wales before beginning her military education in Spain. Her experience in an international academic environment gave her exposure to students from many different countries.
Why reading may be important to her
Reading can provide something rare in royal life: private time away from cameras and official responsibilities. For someone whose public life is carefully structured, books can offer a quiet way to relax while also learning. Her interest in reading has therefore remained one of the more consistently reported aspects of her personality.
Music and the Cello
Music is another major interest associated with Princess Leonor. One of the most specific details reported about her musical education is that she plays the cello. Spanish media have highlighted her musical ability and her participation in school performances. Learning the cello requires considerable concentration and regular practice. It also gives Leonor an artistic activity that is separate from her royal responsibilities.
Her connection with music
Reports have described Leonor as someone who enjoys music both as a listener and as a performer. She has been photographed and reported attending concerts with members of her family, while profiles of her interests have also mentioned her enjoyment of different forms of music. Her family has exposed her to a broad cultural environment from an early age. The Royal Family has attended concerts and theatrical performances together, giving Leonor opportunities to experience live music as part of her personal life.
Cello as a long-term hobby
The cello is particularly notable because it is not simply a casual entertainment activity.
Learning an instrument requires:
- Patience
- Regular practice
- Concentration
- Memory
- Coordination
- Discipline
Those qualities also overlap with the demands of Leonor’s education and military training. Music may therefore provide both an artistic outlet and an activity that develops skills useful in other parts of her life.
Her taste in popular music
Spanish media have also reported that Leonor has enjoyed contemporary music. One profile reported an interest in British singer Harry Styles, while other reports have mentioned her attendance at concerts. (www.20minutos.es – Últimas Noticia) Because Leonor’s personal life is relatively private, however, it is difficult to establish a definitive list of her current favourite artists. It is safer to say that music is a documented long-term interest, rather than claiming that one particular artist is definitively her current favourite.
Ballet, Theater, and the Arts
Classical ballet has also been associated with Princess Leonor since childhood. Reports have described her as a ballet student and noted that dance has been part of her interests alongside music and other cultural activities. Ballet is another activity that requires discipline and physical control.
Why ballet stands out among her hobbies
Unlike watching a movie or listening to music, ballet requires active participation.
It combines:
- Physical fitness
- Balance
- Coordination
- Musical timing
- Concentration
- Artistic expression
- Discipline
These characteristics make ballet a demanding hobby. Leonor has also been associated with theatre and live performances. Spanish royal coverage has reported that she has attended musicals and performances with members of her family.
Interest in cinema
Cinema is another frequently reported interest. One recent profile described Leonor as enjoying a wide range of films, including both mainstream movies and Japanese animated cinema. Barbie and Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away have both been mentioned in reporting about her movie preferences. This is an interesting contrast to her highly formal public life. Watching movies is a relatively ordinary leisure activity, and it shows a more relaxed side of her personality.
Museums and cultural outings
Her cultural interests have reportedly extended beyond movies and theatre.
Profiles of Leonor have mentioned family outings involving:
- Museums
- Concerts
- Theater
- Cinema
- Cultural events
- Walks and outdoor trips
These activities have allowed her to experience Spain’s cultural life outside formal royal ceremonies.
Sports, Skiing, and Outdoor Activities
Sport has been an important part of Princess Leonor’s life since childhood. Spanish media have reported that she and her sister, Infanta SofÃa, participated in several sports, including tennis, horse riding, volleyball, basketball, and skiing. Badminton has also been reported as one of her interests.
Skiing is one of her best-known sports
Skiing has received particular attention because Leonor has been photographed enjoying the sport with her family. The royal family has visited ski resorts in Spain, including Astún in the Pyrenees. Skiing combines physical fitness with outdoor recreation and has been described as one of the sports Leonor enjoyed while growing up.
Other sports linked to Leonor
Her reported sporting interests have included:
- Tennis
- Skiing
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Horse riding
- Cycling
These activities have helped make sport a regular part of her lifestyle.
Volleyball
Volleyball has been particularly notable in reports about Leonor’s school years. One Spanish publication reported that she was associated with volleyball at school and had been named honorary captain of a youth volleyball team. (www.20minutos.es – Últimas Noticia)
Team sports can be especially valuable for someone preparing for a public leadership position because they involve communication, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Horse riding
Horse riding has also been reported as one of Leonor’s childhood hobbies. The interest has a connection with her extended family, as equestrian activities have been associated with other members of the Spanish Royal Family as well. Like skiing and cycling, riding also gives her an opportunity to spend time outdoors.
How military training changed her sporting routine
Leonor’s military education between 2023 and 2026 introduced a much more demanding form of physical activity. Her training included running, field exercises, military drills, aviation training, and parachuting. In June 2026, she completed Spain’s basic military parachuting course, adding another demanding physical skill to her experience. For more information about her military career and ranks, readers can visit Princess Leonor’s Military Rank: Her Army, Navy and Air Force Career.
Astronomy, Photography, and Other Interests
Some of Princess Leonor’s interests are less athletic and more connected with science and creativity. One particularly interesting example is astronomy. A 2024 profile in ¡HOLA! described astronomy as one of Leonor’s interests and noted that she shares this fascination with her father, King Felipe VI. The publication described looking at the stars as an activity they could enjoy together.
Astronomy
Astronomy is an unusual hobby for a member of a royal family and gives an insight into Leonor’s curiosity about science. Her reported interests have not been limited to traditional arts. Earlier reports also mentioned her interest in technology and robotics. This suggests a broader curiosity that includes both humanities and scientific subjects.
Photography
Photography has also been reported as one of Leonor’s hobbies. Earlier profiles described her as carrying her own camera during trips and taking photographs during family travel. Photography can be a natural way for someone who travels frequently to document places and experiences privately. It is also an activity that allows creativity without requiring a public performance.
Cooking and baking
Cooking is another hobby associated with Leonor and her sister. Earlier reports described the sisters attending cooking and baking courses together. Cooking is especially interesting because it is a practical skill rather than a traditional royal pastime.
Reported activities have included:
- Cooking classes
- Baking
- Preparing simple dishes
- Family cooking activities
These experiences also show that Leonor’s childhood included ordinary family activities alongside formal royal education.
Animals
Animals have also been an important part of Leonor’s reported interests. Spanish media have written about her affection for animals and her family’s chocolate-coloured Labrador named Sara. Her interest in animals has been mentioned repeatedly in profiles of her childhood.
How Her Hobbies Have Changed With Age
Princess Leonor’s hobbies should be understood in the context of her age. Many of the detailed reports about her hobbies were published when she was a child or teenager. Her life in 2026 is very different. At that time, she has completed three years of military education and is moving into university-level studies while carrying out an increasing number of royal responsibilities.
This naturally leaves less free time for hobbies.
Childhood interests
During her younger years, reported hobbies included the following:
- Ballet
- Reading
- Cooking
- Photography
- Skiing
- Horse riding
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Cinema
- Music
Teen and adult interests
As Leonor has grown older, her interests appear increasingly connected with the following:
- Military training
- Aviation
- Physical fitness
- Academic subjects
- Cultural activities
- Music
- Reading
- Public speaking
- International experiences
Her military education has also added completely new experiences to her life, including aviation and parachuting.
A balance between duty and personal interests
Leonor’s current life is much more structured than it was during childhood. She is preparing for a future role that requires extensive education and public service. That makes her hobbies particularly interesting because they provide a glimpse of the person behind the formal title. Reading, music, sports, cinema, astronomy, and photography all offer different ways to relax, learn, or express creativity. Rather than having one single defining hobby, Leonor appears to have developed a broad collection of interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Princess Leonor’s favourite hobby?
There is no officially confirmed single favourite hobby. However, reading, music, ballet, sports, cinema, and astronomy have all been repeatedly reported among her interests.
2. Does Princess Leonor play a musical instrument?
Yes. Spanish royal profiles have reported that Leonor plays the cello and has participated in musical performances.
3. Does Princess Leonor like sports?
Yes. Sports have been an important part of her life. Reported interests include skiing, tennis, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and horse riding.
4. Does Princess Leonor like reading?
Yes. Reading is one of the hobbies most consistently associated with Leonor. Reports have mentioned her interest in literature and authors including Tolkien, Dickens, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
5. Is Princess Leonor interested in astronomy?
Yes. A recent profile of her interests identified astronomy as one of her passions and noted that she shares this interest with King Felipe.
Conclusion
Princess Leonor’s favourite hobbies reveal a side of her life that is very different from the formal image associated with her position as heir to the Spanish Crown. Reading, music, ballet, cinema, sports, photography, cooking, and astronomy have all been associated with her interests at different stages of her life. Some were particularly prominent during childhood, while others appear to have remained broader interests as she has grown older.
Her love of reading and music reflects her artistic and academic interests, while activities such as skiing, tennis, volleyball, and horse riding show her connection with sport and outdoor recreation. Her reported interest in astronomy is especially distinctive, while photography and cooking provide more personal and creative activities.
At the same time, Leonor’s life has changed significantly since these hobbies were first reported. Her three-year military education introduced demanding new experiences, including aviation and parachuting, while her responsibilities as heir have continued to increase. In 2026, she is moving into another important stage with university studies and a growing schedule of royal engagements. Her hobbies may therefore evolve further as she balances education, public service, and preparation for her future role as Queen of Spain.
What remains clear is that Leonor’s interests extend well beyond royal protocol. They include literature, music, performing arts, sport, science, photography, and everyday creative activities, giving a more complete picture of the young woman preparing for one of Europe’s most historic constitutional roles.
