What happens when a princess turns 18? In Spain, she has a big ceremony. It prepares her for queendom.

Princess Leonor is the heir to the Spanish throne. She turned 18 on Tuesday. People all over Spain watched the event on TV.

Did you read about Princess Leonor de Borbón y Ortiz in the current issue of WORLDkids? In August, she went to military school to prepare for the throne.

On Tuesday, Leonor attended a ceremony in Madrid, Spain. She made vows to the people of Spain. What did she promise? She will respect the rights of Spanish citizens. She will carry out her duties. She will uphold Spain’s laws.

Spanish citizens are very interested in their future queen. Her photo pops up in magazines, online, and on TV. Her new popularity has a nickname. It’s “Leonormania.”

“From here forward, my duty is to all Spaniards, whom I will serve in each moment with respect and loyalty,” Leonor said after the ceremony. “I ask you to place your trust in me.”

Can you imagine a whole country celebrating your birthday? On Tuesday, banners with Leonor’s photograph decorated lampposts along streets. Drapes and tapestries hung on official buildings.

Leonor is celebrated. But to the public, she’s also still a bit of a mystery. People know she speaks English, French, Catalan, and some Arabic. But she hasn’t given any interviews yet. Many wonder: What is she really like?

We do have a couple hints. She graduated from high school this year. Her fellow students cheered her on. Her tutor says she loved to learn and understand others and that she had a good sense of humor.

How would you act if you met a real-life royal? Taylor Hebert is here to give you some tips . . . and to remind you that you’re a royal too.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession. — 1 Peter 2:9