The Spanish Interior Ministry has deployed a specialized anti-drone monitoring system over the Carlos III University campus in Getafe, where Princess Leonor began her bachelor’s degree in political science on September 7. The rental contract for the unmanned aerial vehicle detection equipment costs approximately 200,000 kroner and runs from the start of the academic year through next summer, according to the Spanish outlet Vozpópuli.
Anti-Drone Security Measures at Carlos III University
The airspace monitoring setup is designed to safeguard the 20-year-old Princess Leonor from the specific risk of unmanned aerial vehicles. According to Vozpópuli, the technology operates alongside the personal bodyguards already assigned to protect the princess by the royal household. The Ministry of the Interior established the monitoring system to secure the campus while maintaining a normal daily routine for both Princess Leonor and her fellow students, as reported by RTVE.
Campus security investments extend beyond the drone-detection equipment. Carlos III University maintains a start-up budget of 58 million Norwegian kroner allocated over a two-year period for campus security enhancements across four locations. In Getafe specifically, the security apparatus includes three unarmed guards stationed around the clock year-round, backed by two additional guards working 16-hour shifts on weekdays.
Academic Path and Royal Precedents
Princess Leonor arrived for her first day of classes wearing a white summer top, dark jeans, and a large black shoulder bag. Before entering the building, she briefly addressed reporters, stating she looked forward to starting the new chapter, according to RTVE. Her four-year bachelor’s degree in political science covers constitutional law, political history, sociology, and Spanish, European, and international politics, with elective options in Latin America, gender equality policies, and climate change.
In 2022, Dutch Princess Catharina-Amalia faced severe security threats after beginning her studies at the University of Amsterdam, eventually moving to Spain to continue an anonymous student life. Similarly, when then-Princess Ingrid Alexandra began her studies in Sydney, Australia, security was later tightened following a suspicious mail delivery to her student residence.
Princess Leonor studies political science and uses rented security equipment
What is Princess Leonor studying at Carlos III University?
Princess Leonor is pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree in political science, which includes subjects such as constitutional law, political history, and international politics.
How much does the anti-drone system cost?
The rental price for the specialized anti-drone equipment deployed by the Spanish Interior Ministry is approximately 200,000 kroner.
Who are Princess Leonor’s parents?
She is the eldest daughter of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.
What other security personnel are assigned to the princess?
In addition to the airspace monitoring system, the royal household’s assigned bodyguards protect the princess, alongside campus guards that include three unarmed guards stationed around the clock in Getafe.
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