The Spanish Royal Family have celebrated the country’s National Day and, for the first time, the heir to the throne attended in military uniform.
The National Day celebrations took place in the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, with the royals taking part in the ceremony alongside the Acting President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, and other government and state officials.
The military parade began with a parachute demonstration from the Parachuting Acrobatic Patrol of the Air Force, who landed carrying the National Ensign that represents the three branches of the Spanish military.
King Felipe and Princess Leonor then laid a laurel wreath to remember all those who have died serving Spain. After this, the Águila Acrobatic Patrol performed a flyover and the Plus Ultra Squadron of the Royal Guard discharged their rifles.
After this, a military formation took place with members of the land and air military units and the military parade came to an end. King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor then returned to the Royal Palace of Madrid for a reception.
The country’s national day celebrates the cultural, historical and social heritage of Spain. It is traditionally held on 12 October as this is the date that Christopher Colombus discovered America; the date is also Spanish Language Day, the Day of the Spanish Armed Forces, and the feast days for Our Lady of Pilar and the Virgin of Zapopan.
This was Princess Leonor’s first time attending National Day celebrations since 2020, as she was at the UWC Atlantic campus in Wales until spring 2023 where she completed her secondary education. Infanta Sofia missed the event this year as she’s away at the Welsh campus.
Princess Leonor turns 18 at the end of the month; her birthday will be marked by a solemn oath in front of the Spanish Congress to affirm her duties. She will also receive the Collar of the Order of Charles III from King Felipe and attend an official lunch with members of the Spanish government.
Princess Leonor is currently in the first year of her three-year military training. Earlier this autumn, she officially received the rank of Dame Cadet during her army training and last weekend took part in the flag ceremony to swear her allegiance to Spain.
