Like every start of the year, the Military Parade marked the first official act of the Spanish royal family in 2025.
After a well-deserved Christmas break, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia gathered at the Royal Palace in Madrid to commemorate one of the most emblematic events in the monarchical agenda, a tradition that dates back to the 18th century when the victory at Mahon was celebrated.
Spanish Royal Family at the New Year’s Day Military Parade 2025
Since last year, Princess Leonor has joined this ceremony after starting her military training, a crucial stage in her path to the throne.
The event began, when the monarchs and their daughter arrived at the Almudena square.
As usual, the eyes were focused on Letizia’s style, always impeccable, and on Leonor’s bearing, who made clear her commitment to the institution and her readiness to assume future responsibilities.
At the venue they were welcomed by Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government, Margarita Robles, Minister of Defense, and Teodoro Esteban López, Chief of the Defense General Staff.
Together they paid tribute to the national anthem, while a 21-gun salute echoed through the air, and King Felipe reviewed the troops before heading to the Throne Room to deliver his annual speech.
A little mishap with Leonor’s shoes
One of the most talked-about moments of the event occurred just as he arrived. As she stepped out of the official car, Princess Leonor had a mishap with her uniform shoes.
A member of the Royal Household team came over to assist her, and after lifting her foot slightly and solving the problem, the heiress continued with a firm step, keeping her composure at all times.
A lapse before the anthem
Already on the stage, while the king and queen were preparing to listen to the anthem, Leonor had a brief lapse. When she heard the first notes of the trumpet signaling the beginning of the anthem, she put her hand to her forehead to perform the military salute.
However, realizing that it was only a test, she quickly lowered her arm. This small lapse did not detract from the seriousness of her attitude, but rather showed her willingness to comply with the protocol to the letter.
The complicity between mother and daughter
One of the most endearing details of the event was the evident connection between Letizia and Leonor.
Throughout the event, mother and daughter shared complicit glances and showed a natural coordination in their gestures.
After the King reviewed the troops, they both approached the Minister of Defense and had a brief conversation as they made their way inside the palace.
A paternal-filial advice
In his speech, King Felipe surprised his daughter with some meaningful words. Referring to Leonor’s upcoming voyage aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, he reminded her that it will be an unforgettable experience:
“It is an experience that will become one of your best memories, as it was for me and for your grandfather,” the monarch said, encouraging her to take advantage of all the learning she will gain during the expedition.
