A person in a naval uniform holding a flag with the coat of arms of Spain. — The future queen of Spain in her uniform on the day she began her training in the navy aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano Ship (Casa Real) | Redacción

Camara — The future queen of Spain in her uniform on the day she began her training in the navy aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano Ship (Casa Real) | Redacción

Princess Leonor surprised with a discreet visit to a restaurant in Viña del Mar

Dressed in her uniform, the heiress had lunch with Elcano colleagues and left a good impression among the diners

07/04/2025 16:46:00h

Editorial Team

Princess Leonor took advantage of her stay in Valparaíso, Chile, to go out for lunch with several midshipmen from the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano. She did so on the very Friday of her arrival in Chile, still dressed in her characteristic blue uniform known as "14 buttons."

The chosen destination was "Don Emelio," a restaurant located in Viña del Mar, 15 minutes from the port. The visit was not planned, which surprised the restaurant owners, who described the moment as a "gift" and compared it to "winning the lottery."

An unexpected stop with a Spanish flavor

Marcelo Assicie, the restaurant owner, recounted how the heir to the Spanish throne arrived at the establishment by chance. According to him, the group was looking for a quiet place after 14 days of sailing and found the ideal atmosphere in his restaurant.

Privacy, courtesy, and a menu with homemade flavor

To ensure their comfort, the restaurant owners closed off a section of the venue and asked diners not to take photos. Everyone agreed with complete understanding. Assicie highlighted that Leonor was approachable and simple, despite her position, and especially appreciated her friendliness.

The group enjoyed ceviche, fresh fish, and shredded beef croquettes, one of the most popular dishes at the place. According to the owner, everyone ate well and paid their share, leaving an indelible impression on the staff.

Yesterday, we experienced something unforgettable when we welcomed Princess Leonor, the future Queen of Spain, to our restaurant. She arrived with her group of cadets, and we wanted to make the encounter special by providing simple and warm attention. They enjoyed the food, shared in tranquility, and left with a smile. For us, it was a gift and a surprise that filled our hearts. We are grateful they chose us and trusted our work. For Don Emelio, it was a milestone that we will always treasure.

The message of surprise and gratitude from the owners of the restaurant where the future Queen of Spain stopped for lunch in Chile (Instagram) | Redacción

"The princess was very kind. She asked for everything politely, constantly thanked," Assicie expressed. His wife, of Spanish origin, had the opportunity to take a photo with Leonor thanks to one of the escorts, who offered it before the group left.

"It was something we will never forget," wrote the restaurant team alongside an image shared on social media, where the princess is seen posing with two companions, the owners, and the chef. "They ate well, shared in tranquility... and left with a smile," they added.

A group of people poses for a photo indoors, three of them wearing military uniforms and the other three in casual clothing, with shelves full of bottles in the background.

The photograph shared on the Instagram of the restaurant where Princess Leonor stopped to eat with her Elcano classmates | Redacción

The protection of her privacy, at the center of the debate

The gesture contrasts with what happened days earlier in Punta Arenas, where security cameras at a shopping center recorded Leonor during an outing. The images were leaked to the local press, prompting an official complaint from the Royal House for considering the action an unacceptable violation of data protection regulations. Just like the photo released during her visit to Uruguay where the princess is seen in a bikini.

This first major trip aboard the Juan Sebastián Elcano naturally includes a return to Zarzuela, which seeks to preserve the princess's privacy. Like her father in the past, Leonor seeks to fully integrate into her military training, with the aspiration of experiencing this stage as just another young person.

Until Tuesday, the princess will remain on land.Then she will resume the journey heading to Peru, on a trip that, despite the difficulties, already leaves unique postcards like her unexpected lunch in Viña del Mar.

➡️ Argentina