A late end to a day of historic celebrations

The day of celebrations for King Felipe’s 10th anniversary of his proclamation ended late on June 19th 2024. 

After a solemn guard changing ceremony performed by the Royal Guard, which saw a historic first use of the Throne Room’s balcony to watch over the ceremony, the handing out of honours to 19 prominent members of society, a lunch in their honour that saw the King’s two daughters give a surprise speech, and the girls’ participation in a tour of the Gallery of Royal Collections together with other 40 young men and women who won the contest “What is a King to you?”, it was time for the day’s last event. 

The music unit of the Royal Guard offered a concert, during which they performed world premières for two pieces: Óscar Navarro’s “Ouverture Rey Felipe VI”, and conductor Fernando Lizana’s “Décimo aniversario de un reinado” [Tenth anniversary of a reign]. The first piece also includes a nod to Queen Letizia’s native Asturias, as it requires the presence of a gaita, the traditional instrument of the Principality, while the latter includes references to the National Anthem, as well as the anthems of all the branches of the Armed Forces. 

Afterwards, Lebanon-born violinist Ara Malikian performed his “Capriccio de Corazón para L & F 10”, a piece he specifically composed for the occasion from a window of the Royal Palace facing Plaza de Oriente. For the occasion, King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía exited the Royal Palace and stood in the square listening. 

While Mr Malikian played, the four Royals exchanged looks and gestures that demonstrated their unity, with King Felipe and Infanta Sofía standing arm in arm, while Princess Leonor and Queen Letizia’s were hugging each other’s waists. 

Afterwards, there was a projection of a video art installation on the façade of the Royal Palace, for which the Royals also stayed. It showcased the motto King Felipe chose for the anniversary, Service, Committment and Duty, as well as the main points touched upon over the past 10 years. The projection ended with a rendition of the King’s signature. 

Afterwards, the four Royals turned around to aknowledge the crowds, who were showering them in cheers and shouts of “Viva!”. For the occasion, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía kept the outfits they had on for the Gallery tour, while Queen Letizia changed into a black tank top and a champagne pleated skirt. King Felipe ditched his suit and opted for dark grey trousers, a light salmon shirt and blue jacket, with no tie. 

They left the Royal Palace around 10:45 pm, with a dense agenda for King Felipe on the next day.