Princess Leia Organa is the most well-known female character in all of Star Wars, but many don’t know how old she was when she was saving the galaxy and fighting the Galactic Empire. As soon as she was first introduced in A New Hope, her signature hairstyle and quick-witted leadership made her an icon for generations of viewers. Some, however, might be surprised to learn just how old (or rather, young) Leia was as she led the Rebel Alliance through war.

Through the years, Leia has appeared in various capacities in both Star Wars movies and TV shows. Though most associated with the actor Carrie Fisher, who originated the role and played Leia in all of her major appearances, many actors have taken turns as the Princess of Alderaan, both in live-action and animation. Her story is one of the rarest in Star Wars; one that audiences have been able to watch from her birth to her death, and all the heroism in between.

8

Princess Leia Was 10 Years Old In Obi-Wan Kenobi

Though she acts a lot older than 10

10 years after her birth on Polis Massa, Leia Organa met the titular Jedi Master in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. And even at a young age, the qualities of an older Leia were already apparent in the young princess, portrayed by Vivien Lyra Blair. Through her independence, confidence, and a little bit of sass, she was able to pull Kenobi out of his despair, and back into the fight against evil.

Many were surprised to learn that the show focused much more on Leia than on her twin brother, Luke. When she was abducted by bounty hunters in the very first episode, the stakes felt high immediately, even more so because of her young age. Luckily, Kenobi was able to save her, allowing her to live out her youth on Alderaan before joining the Rebel Alliance. The show also provided more context for why future Leia would name her child “Ben.”

7

How Old Was Princess Leia In Star Wars Rebels?

Her mission on Lothal came in 3 BBY, making her 16

In her first canon animated appearance, Leia was already playing a dangerous game. At just 16 years old, she devised a plan to get much-needed ships to a rebel cell on Lothal. Working with Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger, she traveled to Lothal under the guise of a diplomatic mission on behalf of her father, Bail. While there, she allowed the rebels to steal her three Hammerhead corvettes and still found a way to pin the blame on her Imperial guard.

While it’s unclear how much Bail knew about the true nature of her mission, it is pretty impressive for a 16-year-old to be able to pull it off. It just goes to show that, from the very beginning of her life, Leia was determined to do the right thing, even at the risk of her own safety. Luke might be the main character of the original trilogy, but his sister was in the fight long before he ever was.

6

Leia Was 19 Years Old In Rogue One & A New Hope

Before hitting 20, Leia was already a leader in the Rebel Alliance

19 seems to be a significant age in Star Wars. Leia and Luke are both 19 in A New Hope. Han Solo is 19 in the prologue of Solo: A Star Wars Story. Anakin was 19 in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, when he lost his mother, became a Jedi Knight, and fought in a war. Rey was 19 in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. None of this is a coincidence; these movies are often about coming of age, and 19 is the perfect time to portray young adulthood.

Even so, it is pretty crazy to think that Leia had so much responsibility so early in her life. She was the youngest-elected Imperial Senator ever and served as a diplomat of Alderaan on many high-risk missions. She was in charge of perhaps the most important (and most dangerous) mission the Rebellion had ever attempted: stealing the plans for the almighty Death Star. At 19, most people are sleeping in college dorms and trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives. Leia was already working to save the galaxy.

5

Leia Was 22 Years Old In The Empire Strikes Back

The time jump shows her growth as a leader and as a person

Three years after the Battle of Yavin, we see Princess Leia again, this time as an important member of Echo Base, a rebel stronghold on the frozen planet of Hoth. As Vader and his troops launch a ground assault on the base, Leia is seen giving orders to the X-Wing pilots. So not only is she a diplomatic leader, but by 22, she is also leading soldiers in battle.

Leia also shows growth in other areas throughout the film. She is vulnerable enough to show and accept romantic feelings with Han, going so far as to tell him she loves him by the end of the movie. Empire is also the first time we see Leia connecting to the Force. After Luke loses his hand and falls down the shaft on Bespin, Leia senses his plight and turns the ship around to rescue him. By this time in her life, she is fully an adult, and she finds herself embroiled in fighting the Empire.

4

Return Of The Jedi Was Just A Year After Empire Strikes Back

Which makes Leia Organa 23 years old

By Return of the Jedi, Leia is not just leading from afar; she puts her own life at risk to help her friends. She disguises herself as a bounty hunter in order to save Han, and then slays Jabba the Hutt with his own restraining devices. Later on, she fights in the Battle of Endor, helping to secure a Rebel victory and the end of the Empire.

Leia’s character arc grows even stronger on Endor, especially as Luke reveals that the two are separated twins. Though they had reunited (and kissed, ugh!) at 19, the two did not fully realize who they were until they were 23. That is quite the revelation after all they had been through, but Leia takes it in stride. Luke also confirms that Leia is Force-sensitive, opening up a whole list of possibilities for Leia Organa Skywalker.

3

How Old Is Princess Leia In Ahsoka?

While we don’t actually see her, her presence is felt

Though there isn’t an exact date, context clues place the Ahsoka series around 11 ABY, which would make Leia around 30 years old. Leia’s never actually seen on screen, likely because of Fisher’s tragic passing in 2018. In episode 7 “Dreams and Madness,” Leia sends C-3PO to Hera Syndulla’s trial to absolve her of wrongdoing. It is also mentioned that Leia is now the head of the New Republic Defense Council.

Leia being mentioned was a touching tribute to Fisher, and also a reminder of just how important Leia is to the New Republic at this time. At just 30, she is already in charge of an entire government department. She already has enough power to supersede a legal council to help her friend. In true Leia fashion, she is unafraid to use a little deception to do the right thing.

2

Princess Leia Is 53 Years Old In The Force Awakens & The Last Jedi

And still just as vibrant as ever

In one of the most anticipated returns in the sequels, Fisher came back as Princess Leia, now a senator of the New Republic and general of The Resistance. This marked her first live-action appearance since Return of the Jedi. Though older in years, her beauty, grace, and humor remained.

The sequels portray an older, wiser Leia. She is not as brash as she once was, and her years of experience shine through in her calm leadership and expert decision-making. The general is more in tune with the Force. She is also a mother, which adds a new level of responsibility and grief. Similar to the group dynamics in the original trilogy, Leia’s moral need to do the right thing shines through above the character flaws of her friends.

1

How Old Was Leia When She Died In The Rise Of Skywalker?

Just one year passes during the sequels, making Leia 54

Each of the sequels focuses on one of the original three protagonists taking on a mentorship role for Rey: Han in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Luke in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Leia in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker. It is unknown how much the plot changed after Fisher’s tragic passing, but the movie still pays homage to both the actor and the character, providing a touching tribute as Leia’s story comes to an end.

In the final Skywalker saga movie, Leia is seen training as a Jedi with Luke, and later, the general trains Rey. Before passing, she uses the last of her strength to reach out to her son through the Force, a major turning point in his story. Leia dies peacefully, with R2-D2 by her side, the lone witness at both her birth and death. Like the actor who portrayed her, Leia was gone too soon, but her legacy continues through Rey, and every fan who has been inspired by the Princess of Alderaan along the way.

In just 54 years, Princess, Senator, and General Leia Organa Skywalker Solo lived a full life. That is apparent just in her name and titles. Perhaps the most impressive part, however, is how young Leia Organa was at each pivotal moment in her life. Her Star Wars story serves as a reminder that it is never too early to fight for what you believe in.